Michigan could not afford a loss in its opening game of the Big Ten Tournament and expect to get an NCAA Tournament invite. The Ohio State Buckeyes were in the same situation, though with even less leeway. Both took care of the first step in rebuilding their NCAA Tournament resumes on Thursday, but still have some work left if they want to be in the big bracket. Michigan has to play No. 10 Indiana while the Buckeyes have to get through No. 2 Michigan State. “We had a good win today, but we can’t enjoy it for too long because we know we have IU tomorrow,” Michigan’s Zak Irvin said. The Wolverines (21-11) had to rally to keep their NCAA hopes alive. Duncan Robinson hit a 3-pointer with 46 seconds left to tie it, then Irvin drained a jumper from the wing with 3.3 seconds left to give Michigan a 72-70 win over Mississippi. Find a way to beat the Hoosiers and Michigan should have its ticket punched. Ohio State (20-12) rallied with a late 7-0 run to knock off Penn State 79-75, setting up the showdown with the Spartans. Michigan State won both meetings during the regular season in routs, so the Buckeyes will have their hands full if they want their season to continue. “We’re trying to get these guys to understand, they’ve never been in this situation before in a conference tournament,” Ohio State coach Thad Matta said after the win over Penn State. “You’re playing Michigan State for the third time in two weeks, they’re a great basketball team. We have to play better than we’ve played the last two games. …
Continue Reading: Michigan, Ohio State help NCAA Tournament causes
