Michigan Basketball: Reasons to look forward and forget the past

Michigan Basketball took down a tough opponent in Iowa and move on to face a Minnesota team they beat twice in the regular season. If they do, they will battle either Michigan State or Wisconsin for the Big Ten Championship.

Ignas Brazdeikis put up 15, Zavier Simpson added 11 assists, and Jordan Poole looked like a Pro. Michigan Basketball put on a clinic against an overmatched Iowa team and yet, just one month ago the scenario was much different.

The Michigan journey this year is one of excitement, disappointment, extreme shock, and pessimistic joy. The 17- 0 start was exciting, Losing twice to Michigan State was really disappointing,  getting blown out by Iowa put Michigan fans in shock, and the latest game against Iowa gave Michigan fans some pessimistic joy.

Michigan Basketball Early on

The third game at the Finneran Pavilion where the National Championship re-match took place was arguably the favorite victory this season. Sweet redemption for Michigan as they routed Villanova 73-46.

We all knew the 17-0 streak had to end eventually and it happened at the hands of Happ, Ethan Happ. On January 19, Happ led Wisconsin to a ten point victory over the Wolverines with a 26 point performance. He was the only Badger to make it into double digits that day but it didn’t matter, Wisconsin’s defense held Michigan to just 54 points.

Several wins later, Michigan basketball headed to Hawkeye arena and looked immensely unprepared for the bombardment of accurate shots. Iowa hit 46% from the field including 43% from the three-point line. There was a firefight and Michigan its victim.

Carry on My Wayward Son

Still, the Wolverines were a two-loss team and they needed to shake off the violence they were just party to. Redemption came to Ann Arbor in a battle against Wisconsin. Michigan shut down the Badger offense, keeping Happ under 20 points and the team to 52 while scoring 61.

All was lost at home in late February. Michigan State was seeking revenge after Devin Bush messed up their football field and they achieved it in Ann Arbor. The Sparty’s only allowed six points from Michigan’s bench and Cassius Winston put up 27 points and eight assists.

When Michigan came to East Lansing, the Spartans were prepared. Iggy’s 20 points were no match for Winston’s 23 just like Poole’s 15 was no match for Xavier Tillman‘s 17.

How Can Michigan Win If They Can’t Get past Their Northern Rivals?

The hope of a repeat title seemed so far out of reach. How can Michigan win if they can’t get past their northern rivals? Every other foe was eventually defeated when Michigan took down Iowa yesterday but the questions remained.

There is the point where we need to move forward and leave the past where it belongs.

What does the future hold? I see a tough number two seed in Purdue who was knocked out of the tournament.

I see a Michigan State team who dominated in the first half but fell asleep when Ohio State came from behind with a flurry of great offensive plays. The Spartans barely held on 77-70 against an eight seed.

I see Michigan playing Minnesota who they beat twice in the regular season.

And I see Michigan just two wins away from being crowned Big Ten champs for the third year in a row.

Look Forward, Forget About the Past

The Midwestern clash between Michigan and Iowa should give fans the ability to exhale and enjoy the weekend. Move on from the five total losses Michigan suffered on the season and cheer on the maize and blue.

Big Ten domination could just be hours away…