Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from dominant win over Wisconsin

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 16: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans meets with head coach Tom Izzo in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers during the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – MARCH 09: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans battles for a rebound against Ignas Brazdeikis #13 and Jon Teske #15 of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Breslin Center on March 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1. We’ll see a rematch with a No. 1 seed on the line

We already know a rematch is coming. As this is being typed, Michigan is dismantling Minnesota in the other semifinal game, so a third rivalry contest has to be an exciting thing for all fans.

Michigan and Michigan State will meet again.

The first time they met this season, the Big Ten title race was on the line. The second time, it was a share of the regular season crown. This time? A Big Ten Tournament title and a chance to earn a No. 1 seed during Selection Sunday.

Michigan State has shown it has what it takes to earn that top seed with an elite strength of schedule, 12 Quadrant 1 wins and a solid NET ranking. The Wolverines, too, have a strong resume with wins over North Carolina and Villanova in non-conference play, finishing third in the Big Ten at the end of the regular season by just one game.

Next. 5 bold predictions for 2019 Big Ten Tournament. dark

Everything is on the line once again as these two teams face off for the third time this season as top-10 teams — a rare occurrence before 2018-19.

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