Game Thread: Michigan Basketball vs. #16 Iowa

The Basics

Who: #16 Iowa Hawkeyes (20-9, 11-6 Big Ten)

When: Saturday, March 5th, at 8:00 p.m. ET (BTN)

Where: Crisler Center -- Ann Arbor, Mich.

Spread: Vegas: -1.5 | KenPom: L, 75-76 (48% WP)

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This season hasn't developed as many predicted back in November. This will be evident when Michigan honors its two seniors, Caris LeVert and Spike Albrecht, both of whom will be in street clothes due to season-ending injuries. This also is evident because Michigan hasn't locked up an NCAA Tournament spot yet. In fact, Michigan is squarely on the bubble and is need of another quality victory. That's why this game is so important. This will be Michigan's best chance to get it. If Michigan doesn't,i t likely would need to win two games in the Big Ten Tournament, which would mean beating #1 seed Indiana in the quarterfinals ... in Indianapolis. Michigan certainly doesn't want that.

And I don't think Michigan will have to worry about it. I have Michigan winning tonight.

Make sure to check out my full Iowa preview to learn about the Hawkeyes.

And join us in the comments below to discuss this very, very important game.