WASHINGTON – Three days ago, the Michigan basketball team was shaken by a plane accident as they tried to get to the Big Ten Tournament. Now, they're headed to the championship game.
Michigan won for the third day in a row Saturday, knocking off a Minnesota team that was playing as well as any team in the conference, 84-77. The Wolverines have earned a date in the tournament championship game against the winner of Northwestern and Wisconsin.
Recommended Videos
Derrick Walton was the clear hero for Michigan Friday, scoring a career high 29 points on over 50 percent shooting and dishing out nine assists. The senior was a perfect 10-10 from the free-throw line and put Michigan on his back after the Golden Gophers tied the score late in the second half.
Fellow senior Zak Irvin added 13 points and Mo Wagner contributed 17 points. Wagner helped Michigan run out to a 16-point lead in the first 10 minutes with 14 quick points.
Michigan moved to 23-11 on the season with the win. On Thursday, it eliminated an Illinois team that was fighting for its NCAA Tournament life. On Friday, the Wolverines sent the No. 1 seed, Purdue, packing.
Now Michigan is one win away from a conference title.
Nate Mason led Minnesota with 23 points. All five Minnesota starters scored at least 12 points.