Watch CBS News

Wolverines 71 , Nittany Lions 65

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WWJ/AP) - A late fourth quarter rally by the Nittany Lions fell short as the Michigan Wolverines defeats Penn State 71-65 on Sunday.

No. 13 Michigan did their part in creating a wedge to take a three-way share of the Big Ten title should Michigan State lose to Ohio State in their final game of the regular season, Michigan will have a portion of its first conference championship since 1986.

Trey Burke had a team high 19 points, Evan Smotrycz put in 17 for the Wolverines (23-8, 13-5) in the road win against Penn State.

"To finish like we did (winning) five out of the last six games ... it's all about your team's heart. They do a good job of valuing this opportunity," said Michigan head coach John Beilein. "Evan (Smotrycz) came to the rescue."

Beilein - when asked if he would be rooting for the Buckeyes in the game against the Spartans, he said, "No, but I hope they win."

Jermaine Marshall had a career-high 27 points for Penn State (12-19, 4-14), including a dunk that riled up the Jordan Center crowd and a layup to get within 62-58 with 2:38 left.

But the Nittany Lions couldn't overcome Michigan's 70 percent shooting in the first half, including making eight straight field goals during a 23-4 run. The Wolverines held Penn State without a basket for nearly 10 minutes during the run.

Ross Travis added 15 points for Penn State.

 

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.