The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Big Ten Basketball Tourney To Be At MSG In 2018 The Big Ten and Madison Square Garden have struck an agreement to partner in major events in the future, including bringing the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament to the legendary arena in 2018. Men's basketball and hockey doubleheaders will also be played there from 2016-19 involving Big Ten teams, according to an announcement by the conference. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany noted: "We are thrilled to establish this long-term partner- ship with Madison Square Garden, one of the most-revered brands and buildings in all of sports. This pairing is a natural fit for us as we continue to extend our brand and live in two regions of the country. The Garden has been the site of count- less iconic moments throughout history, and we look forward to showcasing some of the best basketball and hockey programs in the country through this partnership." Meanwhile, Madison Square Garden sounded more than willing to assist in the Big Ten's eastern expansion. "We are proud and honored to collaborate with the Big Ten on this unprec- edented partnership," said Joel Fisher, executive vice president of MSG Sports. "Teaming up with the Big Ten for the men's basketball tournament and the bas- ketball and hockey doubleheaders will be a win for college sports fans and the nearly 100,000 conference alumni that live in the New York metropolitan area." The 2018 men's basketball tournament runs from Feb. 28-March 4 at the arena. That marks a significant change, the tournament contested a week ear- lier than usual and a week prior to the NCAA Tournament selections. Michigan fans won't have to wait until 2018, though, to see the Maize and Blue battling at MSG. The Wolverines and Nittany Lions of Penn State will square off in the inaugural men's basketball/ice hockey doubleheader at the venerated venue come Jan. 30, 2016. Big Ten basketball and hockey squads will also appear in Madison Square Garden during the regular season in other years, the doubleheaders slated for late January or early February from 2016-19. Michigan basketball sports a 3-1 record at Madison Square Garden under head coach John Beilein. The Wolverines' wins there under Beilein include a 71-57 victory over Kansas State in the title game of the 2012 NIT Season Tip-Off, a 67-62 victory over Pittsburgh in that event's semifinal and a 55-52 win over UCLA in the 2008 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.