Heading into Friday night, Michigan State basketball trailed Michigan by 0.5 games in the Big Ten standings, but a win over the Wolverines gave the Spartans a half-game lead right back.
But Michigan wasn't the only team worth worrying about in the race even though the Wolverines were the main threat to the title. In fact, there are 2-3 more teams that are worth keeping an eye on such as Purdue, Wisconsin, and Maryland.
The Badgers, however, were the biggest threats outside of Michigan with just four Big Ten losses compared to three for the Spartans and Wolverines.
Michigan State got some help on Saturday afternoon, however, as the Badgers dropped a shocking home game to the Oregon Ducks. They are now two games out of first place with just four left after losing at home in overtime to Oregon. The Spartans and Badgers still play each other on March 2 in East Lansing and a Michigan State win there effectively eliminates Wisconsin from contention.
With one less team to really have to worry about, Michigan State can now just focus on taking care of business throughout the rest of the season. The Spartans go on the road on Wednesday to face Maryland which is another team with just five Big Ten losses, just like Wisconsin.
If Michigan State wins on Wednesday and then beats Wisconsin at home, the Spartans will likely need just one more win to secure the Big Ten title and just to be safe, it should come against Michigan.
Still, a 3-1 record from here on out should win Michigan State the Big Ten title.