Just five days after the Michigan State basketball team lost an exhibition game to Division II Grand Valley State last year, the Spartans found themselves clinging to a four-point lead with two minutes left against another in-state school not known for its basketball program.

The Michigan Tech Huskies strolled into the Breslin Center that night and took Michigan State to the wire before losing 61-55. Although the game didn’t get as much publicity as the Spartans’ close call against the Lakers, one man took notice.

Michigan coach John Beilein, whose team will play the Huskies tonight at 7 p.m. in the first round of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament, has made sure the Wolverines know Michigan Tech can be dangerous.

“I watched their Michigan State game from last year,” Beilein said. “And I mean, that was a three-point game with a minute to go, and Michigan State beat us by a lot more than they beat Michigan Tech.”

The Wolverines aren’t overlooking Michigan Tech, even though a potential trip to New York City awaits them if they can beat the Huskies and the winner of today’s game between IUPUI and Northeastern.

“Obviously, the focus is getting to the Garden,” senior C.J. Lee said, referring to Madison Square Garden, where the final four of the tournament will take place next week. “But that being said, we can’t take any game lightly, because if we lose, it’s over with. So we have to worry about Michigan Tech right now.”

The Huskies couldn’t muster a .500 record (13-14) in Division II last year, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play. And with the talented duo of senior guards Robby Springborn and Sean Geary, the Huskies’ offense can score some points this year .

Springborn poured in 12.8 points per game last year on his way to garnering second-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors.

Geary, on the other hand, was the ultimate team player, leading the squad in assists (61), steals (45) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.91:1.0).

The Wolverines know that the key will be shutting down the Huskies’ strong backcourt.

“This game is all about defense,” Lee said. “Stopping them and then making sure we’re running the floor and making sure we’re getting into our offense, but it starts on the defense.”

On the offensive end, if Michigan’s 3-point game is as good as it was in Thursday night’s exhibition against Saginaw Valley State, it doesn’t have to worry.
Beilein’s offensive scheme thrives on the 3-pointer, and last year the Wolverines were one of the worst 3-point-shooting teams in the Big Ten, converting just 34 percent of their attempts. Against the Cardinals on Thursday, though, Michigan made 45.8 percent of their shots from beyond the arc.

“I definitely think 3-point shooting will be better this season,” Lee said. “I definitely feel like we’re just more comfortable in our offense. Just in terms of spacing and familiarity with people on the team, our 3-point shooting will be better.”