Michigan comes back late, holds off Wisconsin for Big Ten tournament title

The Wolverines are Big Ten Tournament champions once again. On Sunday, Michigan defeated Wisconsin 59-53 to secure its first Big Ten Tournament title since 2018.

In the win, Michigan’s Vladislav Goldin and Tre Donaldson combined for 22 points. Donaldson was a one-man distribution center too, racking up eight assists against the Badgers.

Despite Michigan’s pair of standout performances, it was a slow day on offense for both teams. Michigan shot just 32% from the field while Wisconsin connected on 22% of its attempts. Neither team found any more luck from deep, with both teams failing to shoot above 30% from 3-point range.

Wisconsin made up for its weak shooting performance by dominating the glass. The Badgers tallied 15 offensive rebounds compared to Michigan’s mere six. Wisconsin’s extra effort translated to offense. The Badgers scored twice was many second-chance points as Michigan.

Alas, Michigan more than tripled Wisconsin’s bench points and applied relentless pressure on the Badgers’ offense all afternoon. Michigan finished the game on a 6-0 run to secure the victory.

It’s a particularly impressive feat for the Wolverines, who are in their first season under head coach Dusty May. Many fans across the Big Ten counted Michigan out in the postseason after the Wolverines lost their final three games of the regular season.

Alas, Michigan put its nose to the grindstone and emerged victorious. En route to the Big Ten Tournament championship, Michigan defeated Purdue, Maryland and Wisconsin.

Now, some expert are predicting Michigan could earn as high as a 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament for its efforts. It’d be a breath of fresh air for the Wolverines, who have failed to earn a ticket to the Big Dance the past two seasons.

CBS Sports honors March Madness longtime host Greg Gumbel

March Madness just won’t be the same this year without Greg Gumbel. The legendary sportscaster died on Dec. 27, this past year. However, his former colleagues are carrying on his memory.

On Sunday, CBS Sports’ Seth Davis posted a picture of the CBS studio crew wearing Rolling Stones shirts in honor of Gumbel, who loved the British rock band. Fans across the country will undoubtedly be remembering Gumbel today as they watch CBS’ Selection Sunday to find out what fate awaits their beloved college basketball teams.

This isn’t the first time Davis has honored Gumbel. After Gumbel’s death in December, Davis released a heartfelt farewell message, remembering his longtime friend.

“He knew that life is short and laughter is vital,” Davis wrote about Gumbel. “He figured that if you showed up, tried your best and treated people well, then nothing else mattered. He was a unique talent, a treasured friend and the kindest man I have ever known.”