Michigan State had won four straight games over Michigan basketball prior to Saturday’s game. But the Wolverines were determined to end that streak and two veterans, in particular, Isaiah Livers and Zavier Simpson made it happen.
Livers returned from injury and was heroic. His defense was outstanding and his two, first-half 3-pointers were huge for momentum. He wound up with 14 points, four rebounds and two blocks, including one near the end of the game to help wrap up the 77-68 win.
But Simpson, a senior, was absolutely enormous. The point guard who has gone through so much turmoil lately delivered one of his best performances in a Michigan basketball uniform, connecting on four 3-pointers and scoring 16 points, while dishing out eight assists.