Michigan is down and desperate. Michigan State is dangerous and defiant.
From opposite ends of the spectrum they arrive in Chicago for the Big Ten tournament, and if it’s anything like the regular season, every game will be decided by fewer than five points or in overtime. In a season of narrow margins, the margins get even slimmer.
The Wolverines (17-14, 11-9 Big Ten) and Spartans (19-11, 11-8) aren’t far apart record-wise, but that doesn’t mean much now. The Spartans are safely in the NCAA Tournament, probably a 7 or 8 seed, but could rise with a run. The Wolverines are out right now, but a win over Rutgers on Thursday gives them a chance. If they can follow with a win over Purdue on Friday, they’re in.