#7 Michigan takes on #10 Iowa (Official Game TIme 2:30 ET)

[BLEEDINGBLUE]

Just thought I'd be the first to start this off. A litle synopsis first....

Last meeting: 70-60 Hawkeyes 2/22/09 - Harris benched in OT
Last home meeting: 64-49 Wolverines 1/11/09 - Harris leads the Wolverines with 18 points to route the Hawkeys in AA

This season:
Michigan 19-12 regular season record, #7 seed
Iowa 15-16 regular season record, #10 seed

This is coach Beilein's second season and his Wolverines are coming off of a huge win over Minnesota that could possibly be the breaking point to take them to the big dance for the first time in 11 years.

This is also coach Todd Lickliter's second season and his Hawkeyes are coming off of a huge win over Penn State. Unfortunately, the Hawkeys most likely will not be making it to the Big Dance but will be playing for Big Ten Pride.

LET'S GO BLUE!

[amazinblue]

Michigan has to step up on D and force the 1-3-1 on the Hawkeyes.

Also, I hope that our 3 point shooting is "better than average" this game. We rely greatly on perimeter shooting and the 3 point play. When we're hitting from the outside, we can win - when we're cold from the outside, we struggle.

I'm hoping for very intense D, and a couple of hot hands from downtown. If those things are a reality, Michigan should win.

If we can't do that - Iowa can play very tough and the game could be a nail biter - which is what I don't want...

[BLEEDINGBLUE]

Michigan has to step up on D and force the 1-3-1 on the Hawkeyes.

Also, I hope that our 3 point shooting is "better than average" this game. We rely greatly on perimeter shooting and the 3 point play. When we're hitting from the outside, we can win - when we're cold from the outside, we struggle.

I'm hoping for very intense D, and a couple of hot hands from downtown. If those things are a reality, Michigan should win.

If we can't do that - Iowa can play very tough and the game could be a nail biter - which is what I don't want...

It's funny how you say we need our 3 point shooting to be on par today. I was listening to Francesa on the FAN yesterday and he was talking about how more & more teams are steering away from the big guy going inside and relying more on the shots sunk from the perimeter. I think those are guys that Beilein is going after. I'm not sure we are going to see him going after the Big centers. If you look at this year and how many 3 point attempts we've had it kinda goes without saying, don't you think?

[amazinblue]

It's funny how you say we need our 3 point shooting to be on par today. I was listening to Francesa on the FAN yesterday and he was talking about how more & more teams are steering away from the big guy going inside and relying more on the shots sunk from the perimeter. I think those are guys that Beilein is going after. I'm not sure we are going to see him going after the Big centers. If you look at this year and how many 3 point attempts we've had it kinda goes without saying, don't you think?

It does go without saying - but, IMO - the difference between top tier teams and "everyone else" is this. On those night's when you're not hitting from the outside, the top tier teams have players inside that can get the job done - they take the rock and score. I do think that Michigan State does a decent job with this - probably the best example in the conference. Outside the conference, you've got to look at some of the Big East teams - and perhaps the top team or two in the ACC / Big 12 - which isn't a surprise.

The key to this is that the top tier have a multi-phase attack - or have more options that you can defend - which, coincidentally, is just like the spread option on the gridiron.

Just think of how strong a team is when they have strong perimiter shooting, have a guard that can drive to the hole, and a couple of strong / solid forwards that can rebound and score points in the paint. The multi-dimensional threat / ability of teams that can do that are the top teams in the country.

[bluefan]

It does go without saying - but, IMO - the difference between top tier teams and "everyone else" is this. On those night's when you're not hitting from the outside, the top tier teams have players inside that can get the job done - they take the rock and score. I do think that Michigan State does a decent job with this - probably the best example in the conference. Outside the conference, you've got to look at some of the Big East teams - and perhaps the top team or two in the ACC / Big 12 - which isn't a surprise.

The key to this is that the top tier have a multi-phase attack - or have more options that you can defend - which, coincidentally, is just like the spread option on the gridiron.

Just think of how strong a team is when they have strong perimiter shooting, have a guard that can drive to the hole, and a couple of strong / solid forwards that can rebound and score points in the paint. The multi-dimensional threat / ability of teams that can do that are the top teams in the country.

Not only offense but maybe even more so for defense. How many times did they get eaten alive by a big dude in the paint. they need a shot blocking mofo down there. One who's not going to get beat up and posted like it's nothing. Maybe even a guy who can clean the boards every once in a blue moon, too.

[Mich Fan in Cbus]

Nice start for Sims.. He is a machine...

[BLEEDINGBLUE]

Michigan up by 10 with 8 to go in the first

[Mich Fan in Cbus]

Mich 40
Iowa 19

At the half

[amazinblue]

A solid first half - the Maize & Blue up by 21, let's make sure we don't let down in the second half.

[Mich97c]

Shit - at this pace let's see if we can win the Big Ten tourney!

[Bleed Blue]

I hope they pour it on even harder 2nd half...this is a beautiful thing.

NCAA doubts now? ;):confused:

[chriswebber]

Shit - at this pace let's see if we can win the Big Ten tourney!.

Put down the blunt, it's IOWA, they beat Michigan. This game is far from over, but wait until UM meets a +.500 team.

[joeismyname]

anyone seen Hawks?

[Hawks]

anyone seen Hawks?

I'm here. We will come back but still lose by about 10 or so.

[bigboyBlue]

Wow, Sims alone almost scored as much as Iowa. Team's looking hungry!

[BLEEDINGBLUE]

If we keep this up, I hope it doesn't give us false feelings that we can just show up but I'm sure Beilein won't allow that to happen however I can see them starting out sluggish against the Illini.

[BLEEDINGBLUE]

.

Put down the blunt, it's IOWA, they beat Michigan. This game is far from over, but wait until UM meets a +.500 team.

Hey man, got you a new shirt.....

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc119/gonecruzan/cheating.jpg

[bigboyBlue]

Shit - at this pace let's see if we can win the Big Ten tourney!

Keep that up and you're gonna get some negative rep for excessive optimism. One game at a time yo..

[amazinblue]

NCAA doubts now? ;):confused:

I think things look better right now - two reasons, the win over Minnesota continues to look better with each Minnesota win /Tubby Smith's reputation and their performance today. With a 5-5 record over their last ten games (granted that included a tough loss against UConn and losses against MSU and Purdue in conference play).

[amazinblue]

.

Put down the blunt, it's IOWA, they beat Michigan. This game is far from over, but wait until UM meets a +.500 team.

CWebb,

Great point... Why don't we take a quick look at how Michigan did againt "better" - +.500 teams this season.

Minnesota (22-9) - Michigan's record, 2-0
Purdue (22-9) - Michigan's record, 1-1
Duke (25 -6) - Michigan's record, 1-1
Illinois (23-8) - Michigan's record, 1-1
UCLA (24-7) - Michigan's record 1-0


Certainly, Michigan hasn't been perfect:

UConn - Michigan's record, 0-1
Michigan State - Michigan's record, 0-1


Personally, I give them a chance to win against most any team...

[bluefan]

.

Put down the blunt, it's IOWA, they beat Michigan. This game is far from over, but wait until UM meets a +.500 team.

Amazinblue > chriswebber. Pwned.

[hail2mich]

73-45 Michigan Wins! Should be an interesting game tomorrow.

[amazinblue]

...This game is far from over...


Far from over? Not anymore. "Doth my eyes deceive me?" - Michigan by 28? Is that possible? Yes, it is - it's not only possible, it's fact - done - period - exclamation point.

Let's hope they play like this tomorrow against Illinois...

Go Blue!

[deltguy2]

We beat the Illinois once already, we can do it again!! Anybody have an idea of what time the game is tomorrow or is this still yet to be determined?

[BLEEDINGBLUE]

We beat the Illinois once already, we can do it again!! Anybody have an idea of what time the game is tomorrow or is this still yet to be determined?

6:30 eastern time

[GoDeepHammer]

I would say after that solid win that we have to be in the DANCE. Great win, GO BLUE!

[Hawks]

73-45 Michigan Wins! Should be an interesting game tomorrow.

Wow, a lot of people will be asking for Lick's head on the Iowa boards. I'm going to give him one more year before I will.

[tpilews]

Wow, a lot of people will be asking for Lick's head on the Iowa boards. I'm going to give him one more year before I will.

Really? When was the last good team Iowa had? Back when Alford was coach? I was an Iowa basketball fan back in the day because of Alford. I've even been to Carver Hawkeye for a few games. Nice arena. I like how you enter at the top. Anyway, haven't followed them since they got rid of Steve.

[GoGreen23]

Damn, you killed them...28 points eh? I guess I'm a little impressed. Haha, if I wasn't in class I would have watched it.

[rickyleach]

the only team in the big10 that is worth a sshit that michigan didnt beat is michigan state ,and after what i saw today we can beat them too.

[bigboyBlue]

Soak it up boys: this is what it feels like to be relevant in March, its been a while :). I'd never imagine that we'd do this with a bunch of frosh, sophs, and a walk-on for a Captain. I pray these guys go far in the tournament, but anything else at this point is cherry, really.

[Bighouse]

Great Win!!

[primetime101]

win or lose tomorrow, we are IN!

[chriswebber]

the only team in the big10 that is worth a sshit that michigan didnt beat is michigan state ,and after what i saw today we can beat them too.

No, Michigan State is in another league. Iowa couldn't guard Sims, I believe their are 3 guys on MSU that could cover him well. It was a game against IOWA. Illinois should be interesting...

[The Michigan Man]

What an enjoyable game! Rarely do you just sit back stress-free for 40 minutes. 41-19 at the half? Iowa is just horrible on away/neutral courts.

I think Michigan dodged a bullet with not having to face Indiana - for some reason playing them at Bloomington give them fits, no matter how bad Indiana is.

20 wins on the resume is the final factor in NCAA tourney selection viability. What an amazing, unexpected, fun season this has been!

[bighousemike84]

what is so weird about that game is In the first half I found myself thinking that they where going to lose the lead, they where going to find some way to tank it. Im still so used to the Amaker teams that would let these chances get away from them.

Webber we all know that M played Iowa so you can give up on that. Fact is if M plays like that the rest of the way there arent many teams that can beat them. They shot 73% in the first half!! I dont care if its FYS or Pitt, if you shoot 73% in 1 half of play you will win 9 out of 10 times

[amazinblue]

No, Michigan State is in another league. Iowa couldn't guard Sims, I believe their are 3 guys on MSU that could cover him well. It was a game against IOWA. Illinois should be interesting...

CWebb,

Help me out man. Michigan State in another league? When did this happen? Did they leave the Big 10 and join another conference? I must be out of the loop on this one.

If you're referring to their quality of play - and depth of their bench - sure. Hey man, it doesn't take a rocket scientist or an Einstein to realize how good of a coach Izzo is and the program he's re-built in East Lansing.

I can only hope that Michigan continues their solid play and faces MSU in the Big 10 tourney. If they do meet, it will be on Sunday afternoon - and, win or lose, I can handle Michigan playing against MSU for the Big 10 Championship.

You're right, Illinois will be interesting.

[1OSUNUT]

By many accounts Michigan is still on the outside looking in. The Cleveland State upset of Butler really hurts teams like Michigan because they eat up a spot that normally would go to a bubble team. Now the Horizon is getting two teams in - not one. That game effected a lot of teams because Butler was in win or lose - CSU was not. If Michigan wins it's next game things can really start to get interesting. I think its between Michigan and Penn State for that final spot.

[chriswebber]

Well, UM is on the edge. They soundly beat IOWA, but fell apart against the Illi. Michigan is on the Bubble. If OSU beats MSU, Michigan's stock drops. UConn lost to Syracus, so playing UConn tough loses some points. It's a toss up, at this point, I wouldn't go out and buy tickets for the NCAA.

PS. Another league.... obviously you're a walmart wolverine, because that's a metaphor.

[amazinblue]

PS. Another league.... obviously you're a walmart wolverine, because that's a metaphor.

CWebb,

Not that this matters - since I could care less about what you think. And, my honest opinion is that anyone and everyone is welcome to be a Michigan fan.

I'm a Michigan alum.

How about you?

And, if you can't handle a bit of irony - perhaps you, RealSchool, Nut, and a few others should get together and burn some couches...

[Wolvrin704]

Well, UM is on the edge. They soundly beat IOWA, but fell apart against the Illi. Michigan is on the Bubble. If OSU beats MSU, Michigan's stock drops. UConn lost to Syracus, so playing UConn tough loses some points. It's a toss up, at this point, I wouldn't go out and buy tickets for the NCAA.

PS. Another league.... obviously you're a walmart wolverine, because that's a metaphor.

With 4 of the #1 seed favs losing in the past 2 days I don't think it hurts UM's stock that badly. In fact UM is still highly favored to make the tourny along with MSU, OSU, Illinois, Purdue, Wiscy and PSU from the B10. Since UM is not close to the bubble any longer these losses hurt them more than any other. From the B10 PSU is likely to be on the outs due to any bubble busters.

If you guys think a team with a top 50 RPI and top 10 SOS misses out on the bracket you're delusional.

Now the SEC on the other hand may only get 3 bids. :D

[amazinblue]

If you guys think a team with a top 50 RPI and top 10 SOS misses out on the bracket you're delusional.


Add 20 wins to the RPI and SOS....

[The Michigan Man]

With 4 of the #1 seed favs losing in the past 2 days I don't think it hurts UM's stock that badly. In fact UM is still highly favored to make the tourny along with MSU, OSU, Illinois, Purdue, Wiscy and PSU from the B10. Since UM is not close to the bubble any longer these losses hurt them more than any other. From the B10 PSU is likely to be on the outs due to any bubble busters.

If you guys think a team with a top 50 RPI and top 10 SOS misses out on the bracket you're delusional.

Now the SEC on the other hand may only get 3 bids. :D

This is the nature of conference tourneys - every team in the conference is going to end the tourney with a loss except the conference champ.

[Wolvrin704]

This is the nature of conference tourneys - every team in the conference is going to end the tourney with a loss except the conference champ.

I meant the losses hurt the bubble teams not a team like UM generally considered to not be sitting on the bubble at this point.

Last article I read on the B10 shows Minny out, PSU on the bubble and UM in.

[bigboyBlue]

I meant the losses hurt the bubble teams not a team like UM generally considered to not be sitting on the bubble at this point.

Last article I read on the B10 shows Minny out, PSU on the bubble and UM in.

Every bracket I've seen so far has UM in. Of the B10 bubble teams, UM has a 3-1 record vs Minny and PSU, better non-conference wins, and played the toughest conference schedule. Enough said. I also think that unless the AD was reasonably sure of making the tournament, they would not be having a selection show watching event at Crisler. Go Blue!

[Wolvrin704]

Well what do you know...........we were right. Where are the naysayers who said throughout this thread UM wouldn't make it.

Nut? CWebb?