John Beilein speaks on Michigan’s chance at a Big Ten title

Michigan men’s basketball could be headed towards a winner-takes-all matchup with Michigan State to end the season. The in-state rivals are tied for first in the Big Ten, but the Spartans hold the advantage after taking the first game in Ann Arbor.

Former Michigan head coach John Beilein offered his thoughts on the title race in Wednesday’s edition of ‘The Huge Show’.

John Beilein on Michigan basketball’s Big Ten title chances

Beilein retired as the program’s all-time leader in wins, but women’s head coach Kim Barnes Arico recently took the top spot. He said this season is looking all too familiar. 

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“I’ve seen this one before. This is so much like ‘19, where both of us were so good, and Michigan State came up and whipped us in Ann Arbor,” Beilein recalled. “And now, the last game of the season, back at Michigan State, the championship will probably be on the line in the final game of the year.

“I lived it. We lost both. We lost again to them up at Michigan State. No matter what you say, it’s certainly better than what we endured the last few years, especially with Michigan having some down years and then Michigan State not being who they are. Both teams could have a chance at Final Fours if they have some breaks.”

Michigan is coming off an ugly win over Nebraska Monday. Despite the way it looked, it put the Wolverines back in position to chase a conference championship. Beilein said the way they won is irrelevant. 

“… They needed to get that win. They got it, and that’s what you do — you get on the plane. You treat them as Ws this time (of year),” he said. “You can’t treat them any other way. And try to grow from it, but they don’t have much time. They’ve got Rutgers coming in, who has not been a great team on the road this year, but they can be a great team on any given day.”

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Michigan is set to host Rutgers Thursday, Illinois on Sunday, and Maryland on March 5. Beilein said the Wolverines are in position to sweep the homestand.

“They do have the three at home,” Beilein said of Michigan. “They’re not gonna be easy games, that’s for sure, but they can win those. They’ve proven they can win at home, except with Michigan State. That’s where that is.”

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