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Gut reactions: Michigan basketball isn't Big Ten title material

Michigan basketball missed out on an opportunity to take control of the Big Ten championship race on Friday night.
ByChris Peterson|
Feb 21, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tre Holloman (5) goes to the basket during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
Feb 21, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tre Holloman (5) goes to the basket during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images | Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

One game doesn't make a season but in the Big Ten championship race, it sure feels like the loss to Michigan State will loom large for Michigan basketball.

Instead of leading the Big Ten title race by 1.5 games, the Wolverines trail by 0.5 games and now face a difficult road game on Monday against Nebraska.

The race isn't over. It wouldn't be shocking if the Wolverines had a shot going into the final game to win the Big Ten title or at least a share, but it feels like the script would have been flipped. At least it would have been with a win.

Michigan State dominated on the boards, shot incredibly well from 3-point range and just out-hustled and out-toughed Michigan basketball, especially in the second half on its way to a 75-62 win as a 2.5-point underdog.

Tre Holloman scored 18 points off the bench. Jase Richardson had 21 and was one of four Spartans in double figures. Vlad Goldin had 21 points and five rebounds while Danny Wolf scored 11 points, dished out seven assists, and grabbed eight rebounds.

Michigan dominated on 2-point attempts but shot so poorly from 3-point range it didn't matter, especially as the Spartans shot 41 percent. They also rebounded 44 percent of their misses and forced turnovers on 21 percent of U-M's possessions.

It was a weird game and here are the gut reactions.

Gut reactions from Michigan basketball loss to Michigan State

  • The extra possessions killed Michigan. It's one of the first item's on the scouting report and also disappointing when you have two 7-footers.
  • Danny Wolf was good but wasn't good enough.
  • The 3-point shooting was the difference tonight.
  • MSU isn't great at forcing turnovers or shooting 3-pointers this season but dominated in both aspects.
  • The game on Monday will determine if Michigan hangs in this Big Ten title race.
  • Rubin Jones and Roddy Gayle have to make shots at some point.
  • Michigan State was the more physical team and that's disappointing.
  • Tom Izzo heard what Dusty May said about the Big Ten and was licking his chops. Still have to get tougher.
  • Go Blue!
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