Michigan State Rocks Ann Arbor to Sleep, Puts Michigan on the NIT Brink

Something about this whole situation feels pretty familiar: Michigan, on the brink of an NCAA Tournament berth, and in need of one last signature win to all-but-lock a dance invitation, falling on its face.

It happened in 2004, when Michigan lost in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals to Illinois; it happened in 2006 when Michigan closed the season with disappointing losses against Indiana and Minnesota; it happened in 2007 when Ohio State beat Michigan twice in the season's final week.

And now it's happening again after the Wolverines coughed away a nationally-televised chance at a statement victory, and dropped a 54-42 decision to No. 9 Michigan State on Wednesday night.

That's not to say that Michigan was in a win-and-you're-in situation against the Spartans. On the other hand, that would have been the Wolverines' third win against a top-10 team. So that number, combined with a very strong strength-of-schedule and decent RPI, could have made Michigan's resume look pretty sweet to the tournament committee.

Instead, the Wolverines once again find their backs against the wall with some challenging games (Minnesota, Purdue, at Wisconsin, at Minnesota) still on the schedule, not to mention testers at Northwestern and Iowa. Suffice it to say, Michigan is in trouble.

Michigan State, meanwhile, has a complete stranglehold on the Big Ten conference. The Spartans improved to 10-2 in the league -- giving them a two-game cushion on their nearest competitors -- and the schedule shapes up well for a strong close. Yes, Michigan State has to travel to Purdue and Illinois, but MSU is a freakin' steamroller on the road. The Spartans are 9-0 away from home, not counting a neutral-site victory over Oakland. They've now won at Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, Penn State, Northwestern and Minnesota.

That is how you win conference titles.

You do not win them by scoring 42 points on your home floor, as the Wolverines did. You also do not get to the field of 65 by flopping in key games down the stretch. Once again, Michigan looks like it has to learn that lesson.