Michigan vs. Michigan State: Beilein Puts Wolverines on Notice

Like many coaches, Michigan Wolverines coach John Beilein figures the best way to get over a loss is to get a big win as soon as possible. That’s why he is happy his Michigan Wolverines will be back on the hardwood tonight against Michigan State after last week’s disappointing loss at Wisconsin. Michigan battled all the way against the Badgers but came out on the wrong end of a 65-62 overtime decision, despite another monster game from Trey Burke. He finished with 19 points and four assists in 40 minutes of work, keeping his team in the game with clutch shots near the end of regulation.

“That was a humbling experience for us, to play so well in that game and lose it the way we did,” Beilein said on his radio show “Inside Michigan Basketball” after losing for the second time in three games. “So you get humbled, you get better. I’m sure this year we’ll have more bumps in the road sometime. Maybe it doesn’t, but if it does, we’ll get better.”

Wolverines supporters are hoping the road is smooth on the team’s way through East Lansing Tuesday night, but Michigan’s young kids need to step up. Freshmen Glenn Robinson III and Nik Stauskas have had some big games earlier this year and have started for most of the season. However, as good as they’ve been, they’ve disappeared in Michigan’s losses to Ohio State, Indiana and Wisconsin. Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. just can’t do it all.

“I think their game opens up not only in the offensive court but the defensive court when we get them easy buckets and get out in transition and get Nik some open looks from the three-point line,” Burke told reporters. “They’re freshmen, they’re young, but they continue to get better and grow from each and every game. I’m sure that they’re ready to play.”

They’d better be, because the Spartans have won nine of their last 10 and have one of the Big Ten’s best point guards in Keith Appling. That matchup between Appling and Burke will be in the spotlight. Appling got the better of Burke last February, holding Michigan’s superstar to 11 points on 4-for-11 shooting in a 10-point Michigan State win.

If you haven’t started cramming for March Madness yet, make this the game you dig into it. The Wolverines will try to push the pace and capitalize on the break, but the Spartans are very tough to beat at home. They look like they’re ready for this type of test this late in the season, while this might be another learning experience for the Wolverines. Tonight, don’t be surprised if it’s the Spartans going home happy. Late in March, don’t be surprised if the Wolverines are still playing in the Tournament when the Spartans are home watching TV.