Posted on Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 1:39 p.m.
Will the Michigan and Michigan State basketball teams make the NCAA tournament?
By AnnArbor.com Staff
There's a lot on the line when Michigan and Michigan State meet Saturday at Crisler Arena. A win brings each closer toward an NCAA Tournament berth, while a loss would be devastating to both team's hopes.
With that key game ahead, along with the Big Ten tournament, what do you expect will happen with each school's tournament hopes?
Comments
XTR
Thu, Mar 3, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
I think Michigan should win the MSU game and one game in the BT tournament to be in the big dance. Lose against MSU and just one win in the BTT, then it is on to the NIT. MSU has an easier route because of their credibility. All they need to do is to beat Michigan and then they are in.
a2grateful
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 9:28 p.m.
They'll both invited to dance . . . Why? UM, because of some recent flash and playing excitement, mixed with the market appeal of UM (yep, it still exists big time) . . . MSU, because of its proven tourney success, and respected / likable Izzo, mixed with this season's team drama and adversity. . . Both teams have entertainment value, are known entities with potential, and add some needed spice to the dance . . . Regardless, enjoy!
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.
Remember that each team is judged individually by the committee. There is no conference quota. So a sweep over Michigan State may be relevant, but it's only one piece of many. If Michigan wins, the Wolverines will be the 4th or 5th seed and will likely play Illinois (unless Illinois loses at home against Indiana, in which case Penn State and Michigan State are possibilities. Ohio State or Purdue is waiting for the winner of the 4/5 game in the semis. If Michigan loses, the Wolverines will be the 6th or 7th seed and will play either Iowa or Indiana, depending on the Penn State/Minnesota game. I think Iowa is the likely 10 seed, as the Hawkeyes have a head-to-head advantage over Indiana. The seed is crucial because the 6th seed would probably go up against Wisconsin in the quarters, while the 7th seed gets Ohio State or Purdue. If there's one game outside of our own that we have an interest in, we're rooting for Minnesota over Penn State on Sunday. Though, based on matchups, I just want to avoid red-hot Purdue under any circumstances.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
A lot of it depends on the outcome of Saturday's game. A Michigan win, giving them a sweep over MSU for the season (barring a 3rd meeting in the Big Ten Tourney), and would give a lot of strength to the argument that they deserve a spot in the NCAA Tournament over MSU. A Sweep is a sweep, and it would be hard to justify selecting a team that got beat twice over the team that beat them twice, given equal regular season records. If MSU beats Michigan, barring Michigan makes a deeper run in the Big Ten Tournament, I can't see any scenario where the NCAA selection committee would choose Michigan over MSU. MSU has the NCAA Tournament street cred, even with the implosion this year. They will get the benefit of the doubt over Michigan with split regular season results. However, regardless of who wins Saturday, if both teams lose their first Big Ten Tournament game, I think both teams will be headed to the NIT. Also, unless both teams get to the finals of the Big Ten Tournament, I just can't see both teams being selected. I would put it at Right now, I would say the odds are: 20% chance both teams make it. 60% chance only one team makes it. 20% chance neither team does.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
The loser is in serious trouble. But both teams seem to be in a place where they have to beat one of the top three in the Big Ten tournament to reach the dance. I'm not sure this game matters all that much any more, because the winner gets a bye in the conference tournament, a more dangerous first matchup, and the likelihood of Ohio State in a must-win situation.