Michigan basketball series with Oakland ends Saturday, won't be renewed
When the Michigan basketball team tangles with Oakland on Saturday, it will be the final time for the foreseeable future.
The game Saturday at The Palace of Auburn Hills (4 p.m., FSD) fulfills a four-year pact between the two schools — an agreement that won't be renewed, according to both Michigan coach John Beilein and Oakland coach Greg Kampe.
"No," Beilein said Friday when asked if he had interest in renewing a contract with Oakland. "Not at all."
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
The set featured two home games for Michigan at Crisler Arena (2007-08, 2010-11) and two games at The Palace (2008-09, 2011-12).
The Wolverines have won all three games, with an average victory margin of 15.7 points.
"We traditionally want to play our games at Crisler (Arena) as often as possible," Beilein said of non-conference scheduling. "I'm not saying we won't go back to The Palace if it's a type of situation that we really think benefits Michigan 100 percent.
"But right now, I think this is the end of a great four-year series."
On Thursday, Kampe said he'd have like to see the series renewed, but explained how he respected his decision to call it off.
"John does not want to play it, and I respect him for that because he's honest," said Kampe, whose Oakland club is looking for a third consecutive NCAA Tournament bid this season. "He told me, 'Greg, you're good enough to beat us, and Michigan fans wouldn't understand (if Michigan lost) to Oakland.
"It's not a good game for Michigan, was basically what he said. I don't like it, but I respect the fact that he would tell me that."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
Want to stay connected to Wolverine basketball in your Facebook newsfeed? “Like” AnnArbor.com's Michigan Basketball News & Views.
Comments
braggslaw
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:24 a.m.
no-win situation
kidmich
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 12:44 a.m.
I'm a huge Michigan fan but I'm a little disappointed Michigan won't play Oakland in the future. I don't quite understand the logic... "He told me, 'Greg, you're good enough to beat us, and Michigan fans wouldn't understand (if Michigan lost) to Oakland"... I don't know if Beilein actually said that, but if he did, it sounds a little like fear. I would suggest if you're going to compete for a national championship you shouldn't fear anyone.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
I just love to read comments by m-shoe folks. It's so refreshing to read something that is so clearly stated and meaningful as the previous post. Actually, that sounds more like a hen than a cow, but what the hay. Variety is the the spice of life, they say. Guess the m-shoe guy, in keeping with the Wiscy game, just laid an egg. :0
Sparty
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:54 p.m.
bawk bawk bawk.....
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 4:01 a.m.
I think the word for which Sparty is groping is "balk." Gotta love that Sparty education. Good Night and Good Luck
Brian Schwab
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.
Nice win against Nebraska Omaha, Sparty.