The University of Michigan’s men’s basketball team, currently ranked first in the nation, is set to kick off a crucial week of games on Tuesday, February 17. The Wolverines (24-1, 14-1 Big Ten) will travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, to challenge seventh-ranked Purdue (21-4, 11-3 Big Ten) at Mackey Arena. The highly anticipated game is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. tipoff and will be available for streaming on Peacock, featuring commentary from Noah Eagle, Robbie Hummel, and Cayleigh Griffin.
This week will be pivotal for Michigan, as they face two top-15 opponents. After battling Purdue, the Wolverines will head to Washington, D.C. for the Edward Jones Capital Showcase where they will take on third-ranked Duke.
For Michigan, reaching the number one ranking is a significant milestone, the first since January 30, 2013. This marks 4,765 days since the program last held the top spot, which coincided with a run to their first Final Four in 20 years and a national runner-up finish. Prior to that, the Wolverines were also ranked first during the iconic Fab Five era in December 1992. Altogether, Michigan has spent 38 weeks atop the rankings in its history, boasting a 30-8 record during those periods.
Historically, Michigan has had a competitive rivalry with Purdue, holding a 77-94 record against the Boilermakers. However, Purdue has emerged victorious in their last two encounters. In recent matchups, the teams split their regular-season games last year, with Michigan securing a key postseason victory to capture their fourth Big Ten Tournament title.
In terms of performance, Michigan has demonstrated resilience after suffering their first loss of the season, bouncing back with a ten-game winning streak that includes impressive road victories and back-to-back wins against top-10 teams. The Wolverines have achieved a remarkable 24-1 record, a feat unmatched by any Big Ten team in 15 years, since Ohio State’s figure in the 2010-11 season.
This incredible season reflects Michigan’s strong play, with 20 of their victories coming by margins exceeding ten points, including numerous decisive wins. As they continue their campaign, the Wolverines aim to solidify their status at the top of college basketball while making history in the process. As they prepare to face Purdue, the team looks to maintain their momentum and build on their remarkable season’s success.