If the Wolverines have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament,
they will probably need to make a serious run this weekend in
Indianapolis, if not win the whole darn thing. Michigan earned a
bye in the first round with its win over Northwestern on Saturday.
That means that, as a No. 5 seed, it will face Iowa in the second
round, a team with whom the Wolverines split their regular-season
series. Michigan won by six over the Hawkeyes at Crisler Arena, but
fell by eight in Iowa City. Iowa guard Jeff Horner was the
difference in the two games. He was shut down in the first game,
scoring a measly three points. But on his home floor, the sophomore
erupted for 20 points. If Michigan survives Friday’s game
against the Hawkeyes, it would likely face the top-seeded
Fightin’ Illini on Saturday, assuming Illinois wins its first
game. The Fighting Illini beat the Wolverines by 15 in Champaign at
the end of January.