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Crisler Center is sold out for Michigan basketball vs. No. 1 Purdue

Tonight, Crisler Center will be sold out as the Wolverines host No. 1 Purdue.

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1 year ago

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Jan 15, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard coaches during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight, Michigan basketball (11-8, 5-3 Big Ten) is gearing up to host the 1st-ranked Purdue Boilermakers (19-1, 8-1 Big Ten) at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI. The game will be in front of a sold-out crowd of over 13,000 Wolverine fans.

Michigan basketball: PINK OUT

Tonight’s Michigan-Purdue matchup will be the first time the two have met since the Wolverines’ 82-58 win over No. 3 Purdue last February. Much like this year’s matchup, the Boilermakers were rolling at the time; meanwhile, Michigan basketball struggled to find its rhythm.

Tonight will also be the annual ‘Pink Out’ game at Crisler Center, dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Fans and students of both teams are encouraged to wear as much pink as possible to the Crisler Center this evening.

Can the Wolverines pull off an upset?

Just as we saw a year ago, the Wolverines are searching for a much-needed victory tonight. Michigan’s 11-8 record put them just outside tournament contention; however, nine of Michigan’s final 12 games are Quadrant 1 contests. For what it’s worth, Michigan has won six of its past seven matchups against the Boilermakers, and has not lost to Purdue at home since January of 2018.

Michigan basketball still has time to make its case for an NCAA tournament berth; however, time is running out quickly. If the Wolverines were to see a reservation in March Madness, they would have two routes:

  • Win the Big Ten’s conference tournament.
  • String together some regular season wins to strengthen their resume before March.

Regardless, a win tonight would essentially force Michigan basketball back into the NCAA tournament conversation just as we saw last year; in 2021, the Wolverines somehow made the tournament with a 17-14 record — that Michigan team ended up making a run to the Sweet 16.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM (EST); the game can be found on Fox Sports 1.

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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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