College Hoops Feature Presentation: Michigan at Michigan St

THE STORY: From 1998-2010, No. 22 Michigan never won back-to-back games against rival Michigan State. The Wolverines, though, have a chance to sweep the season series for a second consecutive year against the No. 10 Spartans, who had won six of seven prior to this most recent stretch. It has been a remarkable turnaround for a Michigan program that had taken a back seat to the Spartans, but now appears to be on even footing. Both teams are trying to stay within reach of Ohio State, which leads the Big Ten at 8-2.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS

ABOUT MICHIGAN (17-6, 7-3 Big Ten): Michigan hasn’t won consecutive games since defeating Wisconsin and Northwestern in early January. While the Wolverines are a perfect 13-0 at home, they’ve struggled on the road, losing four of five since conference play began. Despite the recent success in the series – which includes last year’s 61-57 victory at Breslin Center – the Wolverines lost each of their previous four games in East Lansing by 15 or more. Zack Novak, who is 15 for 27 from 3-point range over the last six games, could play a big role for Michigan, which was held to a season-low 49 points in a recent loss at Ohio State.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (17-5, 6-3): Draymond Green, Michigan State’s senior forward, is expected to play against the Wolverines. How long and how productive he’ll be, however, remains to be seen. Green suffered a left knee injury in Michigan State’s 42-41 loss to Illinois on Tuesday, and has been listed as day-to-day since. At 14.9 points per game, Green is the Spartans’ leading scorer. But he has always struggled against Michigan, averaging six points and five rebounds in six games. Since snapping its 15-game win streak, Michigan State has lost three of its last five.

TIP-INS:

1. Michigan has won seven games against teams ranked in the RPI top 50, which is the most wins by any team in the country. The Wolverines are 3-3 against the RPI top 25.

2. Tom Izzo is 18-11 all-time against the Wolverines.

3. Michigan has held 14 opponents to 60 or fewer points, all of which resulted in victories.

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