#19 Michigan Denies Rival #9 Michigan State

Published: 17^th Jan 12 10:45 pm

by Jason Kurtyka
jasonkurtyka

RANT It!

Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

Coming off of respective weekend road losses, Michigan and Michigan State were both trying to validate their top 25 rankings. What ensued was a crazy game that featured a massive Spartan comeback and clutch plays by the Wolverines.

Unfortunately for the Spartans, they had to try bounce back on the road. In the Big 10, you’re lucky to win on the road, even in your own state.

For Michigan, they were trying to beat the Spartans 3 times in a row for the first time since 95-98. It might have helped that Michigan quarterback, Denard Robinson was standing in the student section cheering his team on.

The key player tonight for the Wolverines 60-59 win was Freshman Trey Burke. He went for 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Burke also came up big on the defensive end holding Michigan State’s point guard, Keith Appling, to just 10 points.

The Wolverines came out fast leading the entire first half and had a lead as big as 9. Being known for their 3-point shooting, Michigan only shot 28.6% from beyond the arc. What makes this an impressive win is that they were able to hold Draymond Green, a Big 10 player of the year candidate, of Michigan State to just 7 points.

Even though the Spartans scorers were held in check, they still managed to play their style of basketball. They out-rebounded Michigan 31-15, including 9 offensive rebounds. This stat was the reason for their previous win streak and the reason they kept in this game. Facing a consistent deficit, the Spartans kept it close and used an 11-2 run to take a 50-49 lead.

It was Burke that made the biggest play of the game late for Michigan. With under a minute left, down 2, Burke grabbed a rebound from a Keith Appling jumper, raced down the court and made a bounce pass to Stu Douglass to gain a 1 point lead at 60-59.

The Spartans had one more chance however. Draymond Green got the ball on the right wing, drove the lane, and was able to put up a jumper but missed left handing the Spartans their second straight loss.

What was most impressive about Michigan in this game was their resiliency when they got down late. They weathered Michigan State’s run and made key stops down the stretch. In previous years the Wolverines would rely too heavily on their 3-point shooting and they would find themselves in holes. This year’s Michigan team is much more multi-dementional in the past.

For the Spartans, there is no reason to panic. Their two conferences losses came on the road, which seems to be the trend in the Big 10 this year. They return home on the 21st vs Purdue.