The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com Thursday, March 8, 2007 - 5A Cagers' hopes hinge on Big Ten Tourney By DANIEL BROMWICH Daily Sports Editor It's one of the equalizers in sports, an intangible that never shows up on the stat sheet but often influences the game just as much as anything found there. And the Michi- gan men's bas- Michigan ketball team will have plenty of at Big Ten motivation this Tournament weekend at the Matchup: Big Ten Tourna- Minnesota ment in Chicago. 9-21; Michi- Its opening- gan 20-11 round match-up comes this after- When: Noon noon against Where: United Minnesota, an Center opponent the Wolverines have TV/Radio: become quite familiar with 7 over the past two years. After two convincing wins over the Golden Gophers last season, Michigan faced Minnesota for a third time in the first round of the conference tournament. Perhaps expecting a third easy vic- tory, the Wolverines lost the game. A few days later, Michigan received the news that they would not be invited to the NCAA Tournament. Michigan is 8-8in the Big Tenthis season, the same record it sported entering the tournament last year. But the Wolverines are playingmuch better down the stretch this season. While it finished last year's regular season on a 2-6 skid, Michigan has recently been playing its best bas- ketball. The team has won four of its past seven contests, including home victories over Michigan State and then-No. 24 Indiana. It also came within two minutes of upsetting No. 1 Ohio State Saturday. But there's also a difference in the Wolverines' attitude. "I think last year we sort of thought we were in the (NCAA) Tournament," senior Courtney Sims said. "I think we know we have to win ... soI think we're going to have more of a sense of urgency." Added senior Dion Harris: "We didn't come in and give it our all. We didn't compete. That's the only oDRIGO GAYA/Daily reason why we lost. I don't have an explanation for it - it just happened. With the guys that played last year, what we're going in and trying to do. we know what we have to do. It's all Obviously taking it game by game, on the line again." but we want to get to the champion- Fellow senior Brent Petway is out ship." for revenge as well, citing the loss to The opportunities for revenge the Golden Gophers as the reason might continue beyond the game Michigan played in the National with the Buckeyes if the Wolver- Invitational Tournament (NIT) ines can pull off the upset. If Iowa rather than the NCAAs. gets past Purdue, Michigan would But if they do get past the Golden get a chance to retaliate for what Gophers, a revenge game against most consider its worst home loss Ohio State awaits the Wolverines in this season - a 69-62 defeat at the the second round. hands of the Hawkeyes on Jan. 31. Harris and Sims both described And if they beat Iowa, the Wolver- Saturday's loss to the Buckeyes as ines would be right where Harris the worstdefeat oftheir careers.And wants them. if for some strange reason Michigan If Michigan loses to Minne- needs extra motivation to beat the sota, however, it knows the conse- Buckeyes even after such a crushing quences. loss, a win over the best team in the "This is the end right here - you country on a neutral court would be don't get another chance," Sims looked upon kindly by the NCAA said. "So if we go out and don't play Selection Committee. as well as we can and lose against Such a victory still might not be Minnesota, that's it for us." enough to propel the Wolverines The Wolverines lack a lot going - currently on the outer edge of the into this weekend: A marquee victo- bubble - into the Big Dance. And ry, a single significant road win and Michigan knows that. an impressive ratings percentage "I think our mindset is that we've index (RPI) number come to mind. got to get to the (Big Ten) Cham- But motivation certainly won't be pionship," Harris said. "And that's hard to find. PETERSCHOTTENFELS/Dai Michigan senior Lester Abram will have one last chance to make the Big Dance as the Wolverines look to make a long-shot run in the Big Ten Tournament this weekend. Michigan senior Courtnev Sims hones history won t reheat itself in todav s 2 ame against Minnesota. Gain real world SUMMER FRESHMEN! Get ready for life after Michigan with Real Life 101. This annual series of free, entertaining seminars is designed just for U-M students and will help you get ready for some of the big issues you face as you get ready to graduate. These fun and informative seminars will get you thinking and get you ready! Tuesday, March 13, 6-7:30 p.m. Insurance 101 "What You Don't Know Can Hurt You" Health insurance, life insurance, auto insurance, renters insurance, home owners insurance, flood insurance....what does it all mean and what does it have to do with you? In this lively session, facilitated by the professionals at Liberty Mutual, get the lowdown you need. Monday, March 19, 6-7:30 p.m. Investing 101 "Best Practices for Beginning Investing" Who doesn't want to retire at 40? While we can't make any promises, we can provide you with sound advice on ways you can invest your earnings as you start out in your professional life. This "must see" session will be led by our friends at LaSalle Bank. Tuesday, March 27, 6-7:30 p.m. Money Management 101 "Getting the Most Out of What You've Got" Money may not buy happiness, but it sure can make life easier. In this information-crammed session, learn how you can make the most of your limited resources while avoiding the pitfalls that doom a lot of new grads. These FREE sessions are at the Alumni Center and include FREE pizza and pop. Plus, one student at each session will win a $50 Visa gift card. LaSalle Bank ALUMNIASSOCIATION ABN AMIS UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SOPHOMORES! AND FALL JUNIORS! INTERNSHIPS! Come by and pick up an application at the Student Publications Building TODAY!! Student Publications Building / 413 E. Huron Application Deadline extended: March 14, 2007 Call 734-764-0554 for more information