Big Ten Tournament GameThread: Michigan Basketball vs. Northwestern

The Basics

Who: Northwestern Wildcats (20-11, 8-10 Big Ten)

When: Thursday, March 10th, at Noon ET (BTN)

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse -- Indianapolis, Ind.

Spread: Vegas: TBA | KenPom: W, 68-66 (57% WP)

Well, today is kind of a big deal.

Michigan Basketball absolutely needs its best games in the next two days as they attempt to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament. A win over Northwestern likely is not enough, but its a start with top-seeded Indiana looming on Friday should they walk out of today's game with a victory.

There are more than a few keys to today's game, but Drew hit the nail on the head in his preview:

Play with Passion: The last few weeks have been dispiriting for Michigan. The Wolverines had multiple chances to punch their NCAA Tournament ticket and let all of them slip away. Now, they are outside the bubble looking in and know it. They can let that get the best of them and go out with a whimper on Thursday. Or they can put the disappointment behind them and play with fire, knowing that the season isn't over yet.

We will see what happens today starting at noon. Sound off in the comments below and discuss the game throughout!