The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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18 THE WOLVERINE APRIL 2018 BY CHRIS BALAS T he feeling was familiar, but different. Some of the same characters were in place, sharing hugs with the same parents that attended last year's Big Ten Tournament, and the confetti, the trophy … it all looked similar to last year's Big Ten Tournament title, won by Michigan in Washington, D.C. This year's, though, capped by a 75- 66 win over Purdue March 4, might have been even better. For one, the Wolverines had to go through rival Michigan State to get there. They did, handling the Spar- tans for the second time this year, once again by double digits (82-72 at MSU in January, 75-64 March 3). And while the U-M contingent in the nation's capital was outstanding in 2017, Michigan fans took over Madi- son Square Garden, one of the world's biggest stages, and willed their team to victory. The tournament was held a week early, with the Big Ten regular-season schedule having been condensed so the championship could be played at The Garden days before the Big East Tournament. It was well worth it, head coach John Beilein said after his team won four games in four days for the second straight year. "In a perfect world, it would be great if we were playing on Thurs- day or Friday [in the NCAA Tourna- ment]. If we can sacrifice that to come to New York City and win this in front of these fans right here …" Beilein said to thunderous applause from the thousands of Michigan fans who BACK TO BACK Michigan Captures Its Second Straight Big Ten Tournament Title