Michigan edges Wisconsin 59-53 to win Big Ten Tournament championship
The Michigan Wolverines stormed back from a double-figure deficit to take down the Wisconsin Badgers 59-53 in the Big Ten Tournament title game on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Dusty May’s team bounced back from a losing skid to end the regular season in the best way by winning the fourth Big Ten Tournament title in program history.
Vlad Goldin earned Most Outstanding Player honors after racking up 11 points and five rebounds in the championship game, while Tre Donaldson followed up his unforgettable game-winning layup with 11 points and eight assists. Michigan sealed the win with a series of clutch free throws en route to taking home the third Big Ten Tournament title in the last decade.
With less than two minutes to go, Donaldson knocked down a triple to give the Wolverines their first lead of the second half (53-51). Wisconsin made two free throws to tie it with just over a minute left. Following three official reviews, Michigan went back on top as Goldin connected on a pair of go-ahead free throws to take a 55-53 lead with 46 seconds remaining.
"When you have a history and legacy like Michigan, you're very proud to be a part of it. This team will have a bond for eternity," May explained me after the title game. The Wolverines improved to 25-9 with the win and will attempt to keep the momentum going against the UC San Diego Tritons in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night.
