The Michigan men's basketball team looks to lock up an NCAA Tournament at-large bid today, as the Wolverines face Iowa in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. Tip-off is moments away inside Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lundari has the Wolverines as a No. 11 seed. A win all but guarantees a spot in the Tournament, while a loss could drop the seed or even knock Michigan out. With conference tournaments going on right now throughout the country, unheralded teams have a chance to sneak into the Tournament by winning their conference tournament. Although a defeat shouldn't pop Michigan's bubble, anything can happen.

Thanks to Conseco's awful Internet connection, we're going to keep things simple and blog here.

Stating Lineups

Michigan: F DeShawn Sims, F Zack Novak, G Stu Douglass, F Manny Harris, G C.J. Lee

Iowa: G Aaron Fuller, F Jarryd Cole, G Matt Gatens, G Jake Kelly, G Devan Bawinkel

15:58 — Both Iowa and Michigan started off the game sloppy, committing a turnover or two each. Sims is playing just the way he did at Minnesota, aggressively. The forward is showing as much emotion as I've seen this year. Running onto the court for warmups he let out a big scream, and after scoring his second bucket he let out another one. Michigan will need his energy, especially when Iowa puts in its big game, Cyrus Tate (who actually just checked in). SCORE: Michigan, 6 Iowa 3.

15:20 — I'm pretty sure Sims drank some of Michael Jordan's special drink from Space Jam. He just had a sweet reverse layup. Iowa is led by Kelly, who was honored as Big Ten Player of the Week earlier this week. So far he hasn't scored or had any impact on the game. Knowing that he's Iowa's most dangerous threat, this is a good sign for Michigan.
SCORE: Michigan 10, Iowa 7.

12:20 — The Wolverines have mixed in their 1-3-1 zone defense with their man-to-man, but both have been solid so far. Iowa hasn't had too many open looks. Alright this is ridiculous. Sims has all of Michigan's 14 points so far. I'm sitting right behind Michigan's bench so I'll try to listen in and give you any inside information I can. Gibson is in for Sims, who deserves a break. SCORE: Michigan 14, Iowa 7.

11:25 — Michigan coach John Beilein just complemented redshirt freshman Laval Lucas-Perry on his 3-pointer from the right wing. All season the Wolverines have been searching for a consistent third-scorer. Lucas-Perry exploded for a career-high 19 points last Saturday, including back-to-back-to-back 3-pointers. If Lucas-Perry can string together a couple of solid game in Indianapolis, the Wolverines will be far more dangerous come the NCAA Tournament. Beilein has no intention whatsoever of losing this game, seeing as he put Sims in after just a minute on the bench. Usually the junior spend more time out of the game after he first comes out. SCORE: Michigan 17, Iowa 9.

10:28 — Sims' drains his first shot, this one a turnaround jumper from the left baseline. ESPN writer Pat Forde is sitting across the court, and I wouldn't be shocked if he mentions Sims, who now has 16 points. Harris just scored and got fouled, and Iowa coach Todd Lickliter was forced to call his second timeout so far. Harris' basket was his first, but that won't bother Beilein, since Harris already has three assists and three rebounds. SCORE: Michigan 22, Iowa 9.

Thanks to the wonderful Internet here, the last ten minutes of the blog are lost. Here's a quick summary during halftime, as Michigan leads 40-19. Michigan simply dominated. Sims was unstoppable (18 points), Harris did everything (Eight points, eight rebounds, five assists) and Michigan shot 5-of-10 from behind the arc. Lucas-Perry hit two from downtown and guard David Merritt hit one. The Wolverines shot 15-of-22 from the field while Iowa was just 6-of-23. Kelly was held to just three points and never found a rhythm. Iowa has a bunch of deadly shooters, so Michigan needs to keep up the intensity for the final 20 minutes.

Brent Musberger and Steve Lavin are calling this game, which means two things. It's a Big Ten game (Musberger loves himself some Big Ten ball) and Erin Andrews is here. Her great reporting makes her a fan favorite.

SECOND HALF

15:36 — Iowa is on a 7-2 run to start the second half. Harris has done a lot of catch and pivot and then nothing. Sims picks up right where he left off, hitting a jumper from the right baseline.