COLUMN: Mixed week for MSU basketball, Michigan remains dominant

Michigan State goes 1-1 on the week; Loses to Purdue, but picks up a big win vs Indiana 

On Tuesday, Michigan State lost a crucial game to Purdue in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers won 75-65. It was a hard fought game, in which Purdue led almost the whole way, but Michigan State kept fighting back. Michigan State even cut the lead to three points with only about four minutes left, but consecutive turnovers brought Purdue’s lead to 12, and basically killed Michigan State’s chances to win. 

On Saturday, Michigan State picked up a much needed comeback win over Indiana. At one point, Michigan State was down 19-6 but something clicked for Michigan State; they went on a 20-7 run to tie the game at 26 with a minute left in the half. Indiana went a quick run and led 30-26 at half. The second half started for Michigan State like it has been for the last month, they came out really slow. At one point Michigan State was down 48-39 in the second half, but Michigan State found the right lineup out there with Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown, and for the second time this game Michigan State went on a run. Michigan State held on to its late second half lead and picked up a crucial win. 

Michigan goes 2-0 on the week; beating Rutgers and rival Ohio State

Michigan beat Rutgers on Thursday by a score of 71-64. Don’t let the score distract you, Michigan was in full control the entire game. They dominated on the offensive and defensive end. Michigan proved against Rutgers why they are ranked No. 3 in the country. 

Michigan beats rival Ohio State 92-87. This was the first ever top five meeting between these two teams, and the game did not disappoint. The first half was a back and forth game with four lead changes and five ties. Neither team seemed to miss in the first half. Michigan recorded a season high in a half with 10 three pointers. The second half was just as good as the first half with each team fighting back and forth. The turning point was a careless Ohio State turnover which turned into an easy and one opportunity for Isiah Livers, which gave Michigan an 80-74 lead. Michigan was able to secure that lead and sneak out of Columbus with a huge win. Michigan is now in good shape to win the Big Ten Championship.