John Beilein details funny exchange with Ethan Happ following Wisconsin-Michigan game
Michigan survived a major scare on its home floor on Saturday afternoon, posting a 61-52 victory over Wisconsin at Crisler Arena. Though the Wolverines were able to add some cushion to the lead at the end of the game, the two teams went back and forth for a good portion of the afternoon.
It was revenge for the Wolverines, who had lost to the Badgers in Madison a few weeks ago. It also helped keep Michigan atop the B1G standings, holding a half-game lead over Purdue.
After the game, in a classy move from Ethan Happ, the star forward shook head coach John Beilein’s hand and said “I hope to see you again this season.” But the Michigan head coach has no interest in that.
He told the media after the game about the funny exchange he had with Happ.
“Ethan Happ said to me at the end of the game, ‘I hope to see you again this season.’ No, Ethan, I don’t want to see you again for the rest of my life. This guy is absolutely incredible.”
"Ethan Happ said to me after the game, 'I hope to see you again this season.'
…No, @EthanHapp22. I don't want to see you again the rest of my life!"
– @JohnBeilein keeps it 💯 after @umichbball's win. 😅 pic.twitter.com/MMll5DFiM0
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) February 9, 2019
Happ finished the game with a double-double for the Badgers, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the loss. When the two teams played in Madison back in January, the star forward also posted a double-double and led all scorers, totaling 26 points and 10 boards.
It’s easy to see why Beilein wouldn’t want to face the double-double machine again.
With Michigan and Wisconsin concluding their second matchup of the season on Saturday, the only way the two teams will play again this year would be in the B1G or NCAA tournaments. Beilein will certainly be hoping the Wolverines aren’t pitted against the Badgers at any point in the postseason.