3. Michigan's got realistic Big Ten title intentions already
It's not easy to say this after one game into the conference schedule that comes in December, but expectations have changed instantly with this win. The last time Michigan basketball won in Madison, they finished a bucket away from the Final four. I'm not declaring that this is a Final-Four squad but wins like this puts you in the primary conversations for championships when March madness comes around.
John Tonje of Wisconsin beat Arizona almost single-handedly. He has been scoring at a rapid pace and was only 42% on Tuesday night. It's not a dominant defensive performance against him, but to his credit, he's been in the top 10 for scoring in this young season. These two schools will not meet again in the regular season, but look like two of the favorites who will be vying for the Big Ten crown in March.
Michigan's rugged stretch continues with three more tournament worthy teams, starting on Saturday. Next week they'll go at it with John Calipari and Dusty May's former protégé Johnell Davis. The Razorbacks already have a loss to another Big Ten university. Then another team who is currently streaking, Oklahoma, will likely come in 10-0 and own a win on a neutral court over Arizona. Michigan is favored to win all three before they close out the month with two gimmes.