Big 10 Rivalry Battle

It’s that magical month of March when college basketball is in full swing.  Big 10 Championships are a prequel to the NCAA tournament and a good way to get keyed up and ready for March Madness.  It’s a tournament where even the worse team in the Big 10 can get into the big dance if they win their conference tournament championship.  While I was a little disappointed that both Indiana teams lost early in the tournament, the championship game was a great one between two rival teams.

The Big 10 Championships were held March 13 – 17 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.  After both Indiana teams lost early, I didn’t watch many of the other games until the championship game between two big rivals Michigan and Michigan State.  This was the third time that these teams have met this year and this one was for all the glory.  Things were looking good for Michigan as they led by 13 early in the second half, but Michigan State went on a 13-4 run tying the game at 48 with seven minutes left.  The Wolverines came back to take the lead 60-55 with 2:29 left in the game. Michigan proceeded to miss a 3 point shot and Cassius Winston, who was named the Big 10 Tournament Most Outstanding Player, hit a layup to put the Spartans in the lead 62-60 with 28 seconds left.  The last seconds of the game were exciting with some going back and forth and what I’m sure Michigan fans feel was a blown call when Winston appeared to hit their player.  The Michigan State Spartans came out with the win at 65-60, clenching their sixth Big 10 Tournament title, claiming the most wins of any program, and earning them the 2 seed in the East Region for the NCAA tournament.

This tournament was a great warm-up for March Madness and I’m ready to enjoy some more great basketball!