The two games between Michigan and Northwestern in the regular season were highly entertaining. Both games went to overtime, and Michigan emerged with a victory in each of them. Based on how the bracket looked and Northwestern's need for a win to get into the NCAA tournament, a third game between Michigan and Northwestern seemed inevitable. Minnesota had other ideas, though.
The 10th-seeded Golden Gophers took down Northwestern in overtime on Thursday in the first round of the 2012 Big Ten tournament. It was a very tight game that went back and forth throughout regulation and saw several lead changes. Things were tied at the end of the second half after a last-second shot fell short for Northwestern. In overtime, the Golden Gophers gained a slight lead initially before pulling away for a 75-68 victory.
Minnesota is now set to face Michigan in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Wolverines and Golden Gophers will meet at 6:30 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network for a spot in the semifinals against the winner of Ohio State vs. Purdue or Nebraska.
Friday's game will be the second meeting between Michigan and Minnesota this season. The first and only matchup between these two teams in the regular season came way back on New Year's Day in Ann Arbor. Michigan squeaked by with a 61-56 victory.
Here's a look at the updated Big Ten tournament bracket:
Here's an updated look at the Big Ten tournament bracket:
No. 1 Michigan State vs. No. 8 Iowa (beat Illinois, 74-71, in first round)
No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 5 Indiana (beat Penn State, 75-58, in first round)
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No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 10 Minnesota (beat Northwestern, 75-68, in overtime in first round)
No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 6 Purdue/No. 11 Nebraska
For more on the Big Ten tournament, keep checking this StoryStream.
For more on the Michigan Wolverines, go to Maize n Brew. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NCAA Basketball hub at SBNation.com/NCAA-Basketball.