Both Michigan teams entered Saturday still alive in the 2011 Big Ten tournament. Neither is moving on to Sunday, though. After Michigan was eliminated by Ohio State in the first semifinal, Penn State eliminated Michigan State in the second semifinal with a 61-48 victory.
The Spartans and Nittany Lions were tied at 26 at halftime. Michigan State got up by nine points midway through the first half, but Penn State went on a 16-4 run and took a 26-23 lead. A late MSU three tied things up before the first 20 minutes came to an end.
In the second half, Penn State took control of the game. Actually, I should say Talor Battle took control of the game. Over a six-minute span he scored 14 straight points for the Nittany Lions. He finished with 25 total points and helped Penn State widen the gap once they took the lead in the final 20 minutes. MSU couldn't get back into the game and ultimately lost by 13 as a result.
Battle went off in the second half, but Tim Frazier deserves some props as well. He scored 22 points for Penn State. He and Battle combined for 47 points, and the rest of the team only had 14 points.
For Michigan State, Kalin Lucas once again led the way in scoring with 16 points. Durrell Summers scored 11 and Draymond Green had 10. The other four players that scored had four points or less.
With Penn State winning, the 2011 Big Ten tournament championship game will be between the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions. Here is a look at the updated bracket:
No. 1 Ohio State (beat No. 4 Michigan, 68-61, in semifinals) vs. No. 6 Penn State (beat No. 7 Michigan State, 61-48, in semifinals)
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