Opinion
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Clash at Jack Breslin: Michigan Wolverines Set to Battle Michigan State Spartans

As the Michigan Wolverines prepare to face off against the Michigan State Spartans at the Jack Breslin Students Events Center, fans are bracing for what promises to be a riveting encounter. The Wolverines, coming off a high-scoring game that went into double overtime against the Florida Gators on December 20, where they scored 101 points but fell short by 5 points, are looking to bounce back and assert their dominance.


Feb 18, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;  Michigan Wolverines forward Tarris Reed Jr. (32) grabs a loose ball against Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The previous matchup was an offensive showcase with MICH shooting an impressive 45 percent from beyond the arc. Despite this strong performance from three-point land and a commendable free throw percentage of 79 percent, turnovers and a lower assist-to-turnover ratio compared to their opponents ultimately cost them the game. With such a narrow loss in recent memory, one can expect that ball security will be top of mind for Coach Juwan Howard's squad.


On December 16 against Eastern Michigan Eagles at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MICH displayed their ability to control games on home turf with an emphatic win scoring 83 points while holding EMU to just 66. Their field goal percentage stood at over half of their attempts finding success and they managed an even more impressive two-point field goal percentage of over 63 percent. This kind of efficiency inside will be crucial when facing MSU's defense.


Feb 18, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;  Michigan Wolverines center Hunter Dickinson (left) controls the ball against Michigan State Spartans center Mady Sissoko (22) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back further into December on the road against Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City on December 10th, MICH showed resilience by securing a solid victory with a scoreline of 90-80. Their free throw accuracy was notable at over 82 percent which could prove pivotal in close encounters like these upcoming games tend to be.


The Spartans will not make it easy though; as hosts they have home-court advantage which often plays its part in these intense rivalries. However, if MICH can replicate their sharpshooting from downtown as seen against Florida Gators and maintain composure under pressure as demonstrated versus EMU Eagles and Iowa Hawkeyes – there is every reason for Wolverine fans to approach this game with optimism.


Feb 18, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;  Michigan State Spartans center Mady Sissoko (22) wins the tip off in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

With all eyes set on January 31st at Jack Breslin Students Events Center where tip-off is scheduled for February (9 PM EST), supporters should mark their calendars for what promises to be another chapter in this storied rivalry between two prestigious programs. Fans unable or unwilling to brave East Lansing's winter can catch all the action live via Peacock's internet broadcast network.

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