U-M trounces Cleveland State to advance in NIT preseason tournament

By Rod Beard The Detroit News Comments Ann Arbor — With the setup of the NIT Preseason Tip-Off tournament, No. 5 Michigan wasn't guaranteed a spot in next week's semifinals in Madison Square Garden. After a dominant win in the opener on Monday, the Wolverines left little doubt about their Thanksgiving plans. U-M (3-0) trounced Cleveland State, 77-47, Tuesday night at Crisler Center in the North Regional of the tournament. The Wolverines advance to face the Pittsburgh-Lehigh winner on Wednesday night in New York. They'll be the top seed and a heavy favorite, after Delaware upset No. 2 seed Virginia. Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Wolverines with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Freshman...