Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from sluggish win over Penn State
By Nick Popio
3. Thursday night in Crisler is going to be immeasurable
For Thursday night to mean something substantial Michigan basketball had to pull this one out at Penn State. Every win counts now in February with March looming. With Purdue coming to town it’s going to be a chance for Michigan’s most important win of the entire season. Saturday’s close loss could be a motivator for them to get over the hump of mighty Purdue in their home confines.
Michigan basketball will need to come up with some magic the rest of the way, because the last 5 games have resulted in two losses and wins over Northwestern, Nebraska and Penn State by a combined nine points. Wins are wins, but that won't get it done going forward.
— Derick Hutchinson (@Derick_Hutch) February 9, 2022
Michigan now sits at 6-5 in the conference and in the seven spot of the standings for the time being. Beating a top-5 team can do wonders for the program and kickstart the Wolverines run up the Big Ten charts.
Getting past Purdue and Ohio State to finish the week should take them off the bubble and firmly in the big dance.
Michigan grinds out a W at Penn State, moving to 12-9 and 6-5 in the Big Ten. The two teams combined to make 12 shots in the second half on 53 attempts. Wolverines’ bubble remains unpopped, and my unscientific No. of remaining wins they need to make the tournament is down to 6.
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) February 9, 2022
Michigan will need to go at least 6-3 in its final nine to feel comfortable about making the tournament.
Next. Gut reactions to win over Penn State. dark
It’s going to be a prized dog fight, but it is doable if they can protect their home court. Six of the nine are at home and they will likely have to win them all to get to that magic number of 18 wins.