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• TV/radio: CBS; Spartan Sports Network radio, including WJIM 1240-AM and WMMQ 94.9-FM
• Records: MSU is 23-7 overall, 13-4 in the Big Ten; Michigan is 14-15, 7-10.
• Series: Michigan leads 91-73.
• Coaches: Tom Izzo is 359-144 in his 15th season, all with Michigan State. John Beilein is 521-326 in his 28th season overall, and 45-51 in his third with Michigan.
• MSU update: The Spartans are coming off a 67-65 squeaker over Penn State in which Morgan and sixth man Draymond Green offset a lethargic night for MSU's guards. Lucas struggled for a third straight game, although his late steal on a potential tying fast break for Penn State might have been the single biggest play. Derrick Nix has started the past two games for Roe and provided good interior play, but MSU will probably have to go smaller against the Wolverines, who usually go with four guards and the versatile Sims. Nix and Garrick Sherman combined for one minute in the first meeting between these teams. Morgan led the way with 20 in that game, while Lucas hit the winning basket. Sims and Harris had 35 of U-M's 56 points. If U-M's supporting players struggle again today, the Wolverines won't have much of a chance.
• Michigan update: Beilein's team is playing for an NIT bid, and Tuesday's 83-55 home rout of Minnesota kept that quest alive. The Wolverines had lost three straight, to Penn State, Illinois and Ohio State. Against the Gophers, U-M shot a season-best 60.4 percent from the floor. Sims and Harris were great together, combining for 45 points. And the Wolverines took just 19 3-pointers, making eight. This team has too often resorted to launching waves of triples. Good decision making and good shooting will give U-M an opportunity to be in this game until the end. The Wolverines are seeking their first win in Breslin since 1997.
• Prediction: How will the MSU players respond to yet another challenge from their coach? Considering the stakes and the opponent, the Spartans figure to come out frenzied. MSU's problem has been maintaining intensity, and leads, at home. So this will probably be interesting for most of the afternoon. Make it: MSU 68, Michigan 62.
- Capsule compiled by Joe Rexrode
