The Michigan Wolverines are one of four Big Ten bubble teams. Wait a minute — four? Yes. There were three bubble teams entering Thursday night, but Rutgers lost to Minnesota. The Scarlet Knights have to win at least one more game to lock up a bid.
With so many bubble teams in one conference, USC and its fans have an obvious interest in what goes on in the Trojans’ future conference.
Thursday night, they got some great news from Champaign, Ill.
The Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Michigan Wolverines, 91-87 in double overtime, which can best be described as a result which gives Michigan one less chance to play its way into the NCAA Tournament.
The Wolverines still have a chance, to be sure, but that next chance might depend on Sunday afternoon’s game at Indiana. The Hoosiers are not easy to beat on their home floor, especially on Senior Day. If Michigan doesn’t win that game, the Wolverines will likely need at least two wins at the Big Ten Tournament, possibly three.
This was a wild game between Illinois and Michigan. The Illini led 70-63 with 2:10 left in regulation and blew that lead. Michigan had a chance to win at the end of regulation but missed.
Michigan led Illinois 81-74 with 1:40 left in overtime and blew it. Illinois missed a free throw in the last 30 seconds which would have given the Illini the lead.
Illinois then scored the first five points of the second overtime and held on for the win.
USC heartily approves.
Stay with us for full bubble coverage here at Trojans Wire.
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