Breaking down Big Ten tournament bracket for Michigan basketball

The way Michigan basketball has been playing lately, it’s hard to see them playing more than one game at the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament, but you can never say never.

Following the 85-70 loss to Nebraska on Sunday, Michigan basketball finished the regular season with an 8-23 record overall and a 3-17 mark in Big Ten play. The Wolverines will be the No. 14 seed in the Big Ten tournament.

However, they are lucky to be there. In 2025, only 14 of the top 18 teams will get to go, so the Wolverines better start showing improvement. The fact that they are cellar dwellers after trips to the national title game in 2013 and 2018 is hard to stomach.

It will also be hard for some fans to stomach Juwan Howard back as head coach. It seems the likely outcome at this point. For now, there is at least one game left.

Michigan basketball Big Ten opponent, how to watch

The Wolverines will take on Penn State (15-16, 9-11). The Nittany Lions beat Michigan earlier this season on a neutral floor. That was their only matchup. It feels like a winnable game for the Wolverines, but their defense has been atrocious and it’s hard to see that improving in a few days.

Officially official. The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket is here. pic.twitter.com/QD94U3mcFU

— Connor Onion (@ConnorOnion) March 11, 2024

Michigan will play Penn State on Wednesday at 9 PM EST on Peacock. If the Wolverines win they will face Indiana on Thursday in the second round, with Nebraska waiting for the winner on Friday in the quarterfinals.

Winning those three games would match the Wolverines conference win total of the entire season, so it’s a tall order but that’s the path.

“We still have an opportunity and a chance to make the tournament,” Howard said via On3. “We play in the Big Ten Tournament, which starts on Wednesday for us. This season is not over — by no means.”

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