Narrow wins by Michigan and Michigan State set the stage for Friday’s pivotal rivalry matchup as both are tied for the number one seed in the Big Ten with little margin for error.
Michigan’s 75-72 win against previously unbeaten Nebraska and Michigan State’s 88-79 win against Rutgers on Jan. 27 put both teams first in the Big Ten, tied with Nebraska and potentially Illinois if they defeat Washington.
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Each win is crucial as 10 conference games remain on the schedule and the top three teams hold a record of 9-1.
Michigan’s sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. led the way for the Wolverines against Nebraska with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman guard Trey McKenny added 11 points along with a late-game steal and go-ahead layup to seal the win in a tightly contested game.
Michigan State’s sophomore guard Jeremy Fears led the Spartans’ overtime win with 29 points and nine assists, including a clutch feed to sophomore guard Divine Ugochukwu for a three-pointer to send the game into overtime.
The wins heighten the stakes of the storied rivalry matchup as the number one seed and bragging rights are on the line.
Once the weekend passes, there will be only two teams tied for first in the conference as Nebraska and Illinois matchup on Saturday, Jan. 31.
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When looking at how the rivals matchup, it certainly is a clash of style as Michigan’s high-powered offense faces Michigan State’s stout and scrappy defense.
Michigan leads the conference in scoring with 91.7 PPG while Michigan State is ranked second in defense allowing 62.8 PPG.
One of the the most important factors in this game lies where the teams are similar, which is rebounding, turnovers and fast break points.
Michigan is ranked number one in the conference in rebounds per game (42.3 REB) while Michigan State is ranked number three (41.3 REB).
Rebounding is considered a defensive stat but there is a substantial difference when it comes to offensive rebounding.
Michigan State is ranked second in the conference in offensive rebounding with 13.0 ORB per game. Michigan ranks eighth in the conference with 11.5 ORB per game.
Both teams are among the conference’s leaders in turnovers with Michigan ranking third (12.3 TOV) and Michigan State ranking fourth (12.1 TOV).
Both teams excel in scoring fast break points as Michigan State leads the conference with 17.3 fast break points per game and Michigan is ranked second with 15.26 fast break points per game.
Whoever is able to gain the upper hand in the boards, turnovers and fast break points battle will be able to play the game in their style, whether it’s Michigan racking up points with their efficient offense or Michigan State suffocating with their defense.
The first of the rivals’ two matchups this season takes place at the Breslin Center on Friday, Jan. 30 at 8:00 p.m.