Sometimes a near death experience can give you an emotional lift and provide a spark to having a great day. That was the case for the Michigan basketball team on Thursday. The Wolverines arrived the morning of their Thursday morning game against Illinois in their Big Ten Conference game and shot 53.6 percent from the floor in dispatching the Illini, 75-55.

It was a remarkable performance from the Wolverines considering the harrowing circumstances they had just endured. Michigan's team plane left for Washington D.C., site of the tournament, on Wednesday. However, the charter plane careened off the runway during takeoff. After enduring a sleepless night with travel plans not firmed up, the Wolverines were able to catch an early Thursday morning bumpy flight and then endure a 90-minute bus ride to Verizon Center.

Despite not having the benefit of the usual film work and walk-through game preparations, Michigan took the court after the start time was pushed back 20 minutes and played one of its finest games. The Wolverines were loose knowing how fortunate they were.

But Michigan also was a five-point favorite in that game. Now, the Wolverines have to play an early morning game again this time against a far superior opponent and without the adrenaline and life rush they experienced yesterday. The Wolverines also have the contentment of knowing they are almost certain to be picked for the NCAA Tournament.

Purdue is 8-1 in its last nine games. The Boilermakers' lone loss during this span came to Michigan on the road on Feb. 25. Purdue wants revenge. Prior to that defeat, the Boilermakers were 7-1-1 ATS the past nine times facing Michigan.

Purdue has made the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament each of the past two years. The Boilermakers have the best player on the court in Big Ten Player of the Year Caleb Swanigan. Purdue has been a huge money-maker when laying points going 21-7-3 (75 percent) the past 31 times.