Michigan, Michigan State basketball continue to rise in latest rankings with good weeks

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The last time Michigan basketball got into the top 20 in the rankings, it lost consecutive games.

The Wolverines will try to have better fortunes this time as they’ve climbed five spots up to No. 19 in the latest USA TODAY Coaches Poll rankings after yet another undefeated week.

Dusty May’s group, winners of five straight, just knocked off a pair of former Pac-12 foes this week, first going to historic Pauley Pavilion and hammering UCLA 94-75 in historic fashion, then returning home and thumping Washington in what May described as a “choppy” game, 91-75, to remain undefeated and atop the Big Ten.

“Feel like we’re improving week by week,” May said Monday ahead of the rankings release. “There’s a human nature component to it. But we’ve stressed maturity and focusing on the way we play the game, not just looking at the results.

Michigan guard Justin Pippen (10) attempts a ]three point basket against Washington during the second half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.

“Now that we’re going to be getting more attention, more love − and it’s good, good for the sport, good for the university, good for our team and their individual careers and whatnot − but we can’t believe the hype. … our mindset, our ability and what we need to work on is much more important.”

FIFTH YEAR’S THE CHARM: At long last, Michigan basketball’s Nimari Burnett has found his perfect role.

U-M kept its winning streak going in a variety of ways this past week. First, it was Vladislav Goldin and Tre Donaldson operating a two-man show. Goldin scored a career-high 36 points against the Bruins while Donaldson set career-highs with 20 points and six made 3-pointers to go with seven assists and six rebounds.

Sunday, U-M was back to its balanced formula with five players scoring between 11 and 19 points, highlighted by a flawless afternoon from Nimari Burnett, as he scored 16 points without missing a shot from the floor (6 for 6).

Michigan (13-3, 5-0 Big Ten) is one of five teams in the Big Ten…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-michigan-state-basketball-continue-185341942.html

Author : Detroit Free Press

Publish date : 2025-01-13 18:53:00

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