Dustin Johnston
If Jordan Morgan‘s performance was to be believed, Michigan wasn’t quite over its heartbreaking defeat to Indiana when it took the floor at the United Center on Thursday afternoon. Morgan missed four of his first five layups and was a critical reason that Penn State opened up a 14-3 lead out of the gate.
Mitch McGary woke the Wolverines up off of the bench, contributing a first half double-double off of the bench, but the Nittany Lions were able to hang close for much of the game’s first 25 minutes. Penn State seemed to answer every Michigan run with a run of its own but eventually the Wolverines pulled away.
Just as three weeks ago at State College, Michigan found itself up 15 with 10:22 to play in the game. Most don’t need reminding that Michigan was outscored 33-12 over the final 10:30 in that game to suffer its most shocking defeat of the season but this time around, the Wolverines finished the job. Michigan extended its lead over the game’s final quarter and prevailed with a 83-66 win.
Trey Burke led all scored with 21 points and three assists while Tim Hardaway Jr. (15 points), Nik Stauskas (15 points), Jon Horford (11 points) and Mitch McGary (10 points) all reached double figures.
Michigan’s win sets up a Friday afternoon quarterfinal match-up against Wisconsin, scheduled for 2:30 eastern at the United Center. Updated Big Ten Tournament Bracket here. Full post game coverage to follow.
