Minnesota likely ended Northwestern\u2019s chance of getting into the NCAA Tournament with their 75-68 win over the Wildcats yesterday. <\/p>\n
Big 10 Tournament Basketball Matchup: Minnesota vs. Michigan Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Michigan earned a share of the Big Ten title this year.<\/p>\n The Wolverines have steadily improved the last few years, and they are a team to watch this post season. These teams met only once this year and Michigan won a close 61-56 contest on their home floor.<\/p>\n The season started off very badly for Minnesota when Trevor Mbakwe went down with a season-ending injury. Mbakwe would have been one of the best players in the league, and this team has missed him in a big way.<\/p>\n The Golden Gophers are now led by Rodney Williams. Williams averages 11 point and 5.5 boards per game.<\/p>\n Ten guys average double figures in minutes, so this team has plenty of depth, but there isn\u2019t much offensive firepower. Andre Hollins shoots 40% and Julian Welch shots 43% from beyond the arc. Minnesota must take care of the ball and play great defense to have a chance in this game.\u00a0[soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n John Beilein has done an amazing job with the Michigan basketball program.<\/p>\n A few years ago this team was an afterthought, but now they are at the top of the conference. Trey Burke was the team\u2019s MVP by a large amount, and he is only a freshman. Burke came in and led this team from day one. He averages 14.6 points and 5.6 assists per game.<\/p>\n Tim Hardaway Jr. has been in a shooting slump much of the year, but he is fully capable of heating up in a big way at any time. Jordan Morgan is the team\u2019s lone strong low-post player, so he needs to stay out of foul trouble throughout this tournament.<\/p>\n Defensively, the Wolverines allow only 60.9 points per game.<\/p>\n Minnesota just doesn\u2019t have enough offense to go very far in this tournament. Michigan is the more disciplined team, and I expect them to take care of business.<\/p>\n
\n6:30 PM EST on Big Ten Network
\nCollege Basketball Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
\nNCAA Basketball Betting Favorite: Off
\nOver\/Under: Off<\/strong><\/p>\n