Michigan's Dusty May needs team focused ahead of ranked clash with Michigan State

This is as big a game as they come for the No. 12-ranked Michigan Wolverines.

They're on a six-game winning streak and coming off a big win on the road in Columbus against Ohio State. Up next is a huge in-state matchup with No. 14 Michigan State and legendary head coach Tom Izzo.

The eyes of Michigan, and perhaps the eyes of the whole college basketball world, will be on this Friday-night matchup. It's going to be hyped, so much so that Michigan head coach Dusty May feels he needs to reiterate to his team that focus is of utmost importance this week.

“Our focus has to be on us playing basketball. The rivalry is great for everyone else but if we’re consumed with all the extra stuff then we’re not focused on what we need to do as far as getting back in transition defense, knowing personnel tendencies, things like that," May told the media on Monday (h/t On3). 

This will be the first ranked matchup between Michigan and Michigan State since January 2020. Both teams are going to be charged up, and the Wolverines have the home-court advantage with the game being played in Ann Arbor.

It's going to be an electric atmosphere, but May wants his team focused on fundamentals and not feels.

"We know the importance of the rivalry but we’re not going into it relying on our fans, relying on anyone else to win the game because it’s a rivalry. We have to put in the work, we have to prepare, and we have to perform at a high level in that environment," he said.

The ESPN Matchup Predictor favors Michigan 57.5% to 42.5%.