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Simpson, Michigan beat Iowa 74-53 in Big Ten Tournament
Saturday, March 16, 2019

Zavier Simpson sets the offense for Michigan against Iowa (photo courtesy of Kirthmon F. Dozier/DFP)

(CHICAGO) – Zavier Simpson was pretty much perfect, and everything fell into place for No. 10 Michigan. Just another day at the Big Ten Tournament for the Wolverines. Simpson sparked Michigan's balanced attack with 10 points and 11 assists, and the Wolverines rolled past Iowa 74-53 on Friday night. Seeking its third consecutive Big Ten tourney title, third-seeded Michigan advanced to the semifinals for the fourth straight year. It will go for its third win against Minnesota this season when it takes on the surprising Gophers on Saturday afternoon. It certainly helps to have a point guard like Simpson, who went 4 for 4 from the field and 2 for 2 at the line with just one turnover. The 6-foot junior also played tough defense on Jordan Bohannon, who was averaging 11.7 points before he went scoreless in almost 27 minutes against the Wolverines (27-5). Michigan made 10 3-pointers and placed five players in double figures, bouncing back nicely from Saturday's disappointing loss to rival Michigan State. Ignas Brazdeikis had 15 points, and Jon Teske had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Luke Garza and Tyler Cook each scored 14 points, but Iowa was ice cold from deep one night after it made 12 3-pointers in an 83-62 victory over Illinois. The Hawkeyes went 1 for 16 from beyond the arc against the Wolverines and shot 36 percent (21 for 59) overall. Charles Matthews returned from a right ankle injury, and Michigan celebrated with an impressive offensive display. With Simpson calmly directing the show, the Wolverines put away the Hawkeyes with a 15-2 run in the second half.

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