Michigan overcome odds; MSU cruises; rough day for the MAC

After experiencing the wildest 24 hours of their lives, the #8 Michigan Wolverines walked into the Verizon Center in Washington D.C., in just their practice uniforms, and earned a convincing 75-55 win over the #9 Illinois Fighting Illini in the 2nd round of the 2017 Big Ten Tournament.

With the victory, U-M head coach John Beilein surpassed legendary coach Johnny Orr for most wins at Michigan, earning his 210th win in memorable fashion. The win will be memorable for Beilein & the Wolverines for multiple reasons, as Michigan's road to the nation's capital was anything but smooth.

Following a near-death experience with the team's plane sliding & crashing into a fence Wednesday afternoon, everyone on board was evacuated safely. After being forced to stay the night & practice in Ann Arbor in the dark due to the power outage caused by strong winds, Michigan made alternate travel arrangements with their new flight landing in D.C. at 9 a.m. Upon arriving to the arena less than two hours before tipoff, the Wolverines realized they left their game uniforms on the damaged plane and had to wear their practice uniforms instead.

Michigan's crazy journey continues in less than 24 hours as they prepare to face top-seed Purdue this Friday at noon. At present time, no word if their game jerseys will get to the Verizon Center on time.


OTHER TOURNAMENT SCORES
BIG TEN MEN - 2ND ROUND
- MICHIGAN STATE 78, Penn State 51

MAC MEN - QUARTERFINALS
- Akron 79, EASTERN MICHIGAN 62
- Ball State 66, WESTERN MICHIGAN 63

MAC WOMEN - QUARTERFINALS
- WESTERN MICHIGAN 67, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 63