Michigan State won against Michigan for the first time at Crisler Center since 2010. And with about three weeks until the NCAA unveils its tournament field of 68 for March Madness, the game had even more riding on it.
With the Spartan's winning five of their last six games and Michigan losing its last five, it seems the two teams may be going in opposite directions.
Michigan Radio sports commentator John U. Bacon says the Spartans aren't a flashy team, but they're solid.
"As Izzo's teams almost always do, they peak at the right time," Bacon says.
Meanwhile, Michigan is going through a rough patch. But Bacon says it's difficult with the team having lost four players to the NBA in the last two years, along with three starters to injuries this year.
Bacon says UM coach John Beilein is "getting the most out of what he's got, he just hasn't got much right now."
According to Bacon, Michigan State has a good chance of playing in March Madness, while Michigan almost certainly won't.
It may not be the Spartans' strongest team, but Bacon says it doesn't matter.
Making it far into the tournament relies on players’ ability to work as a team together at the right time according to Bacon and, "this team could be one of those teams."
