No. 22 Michigan Defeats No. 20 Indiana 68-56, Set for Rematch Against MSU

The Michigan Wolverines (17-6) held on at home, 68-56, against the Indiana Hoosiers (17-6). The Wolverines are now tied with Wisconsin for second place in the Big Ten with a 7-3 conference record. 

Michigan came out of the gate firing on all cylinders, shooting efficiently from the perimeter and effectively dominating the Hoosiers. They took a 28-8 lead with 7:13 to go in the first half and led 33-22 at halftime.

But the Hoosiers displayed their resiliency and character. Thanks to a 27-10 run, they fought all the way back to ultimately cut the lead to two points.

Indiana point guard Jordan Hulls was a major reason why the Hoosiers got back in this game. He did not sit for one minute and was absolutely on fire. He registered 18 points, including four threes, and dished out five assists.

However, as close as this contest got in the second half, Michigan never relinquished the lead. 

Trey Burke was fantastic once again, scoring eight points in the first three-and-a-half minutes of the game. He led the Wolverines with 18 points along with four assists and four rebounds.

After a sub-par game against Ohio State, Zack Novak once again displayed why he is so important to this team. He finished with 13 points (including three three-pointers), five rebounds and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line.  

Tim Hardaway, Jr. struggled again from the field, but buried a pivotal three-pointer late in the second half to put Michigan up 55-50. He finished the game with 13 points (4-of-14 from the field), three rebounds and two dimes. 

The Wolverines were careful with the ball, only turning the ball over six times. This limited fast-break opportunities for the Indiana Hoosiers and allowed Michigan to get back into their defensive sets.

This victory sets up a huge rematch against Michigan State on Sunday. The first game between these two Big Ten foes resulted in a thrilling 60-59 victory for the Wolverines, who have now won the last three games against the Spartans.

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