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Posted on Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.

Michigan basketball series with Oakland ends Saturday, won't be renewed

By Nick Baumgardner

When the Michigan basketball team tangles with Oakland on Saturday, it will be the final time for the foreseeable future.

The game Saturday at The Palace of Auburn Hills (4 p.m., FSD) fulfills a four-year pact between the two schools — an agreement that won't be renewed, according to both Michigan coach John Beilein and Oakland coach Greg Kampe.

"No," Beilein said Friday when asked if he had interest in renewing a contract with Oakland. "Not at all."

OAKLAND-SERIES.JPG

Jordan Morgan and the Michigan basketball team will wrap up their four-year agreement with Oakland on Saturday with a game at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com

The series, which was originally put together by former Michigan coach Tommy Amaker and Kampe, began during the 2007-08 campaign — Beilein's first with the Wolverines.

The set featured two home games for Michigan at Crisler Arena (2007-08, 2010-11) and two games at The Palace (2008-09, 2011-12).

The Wolverines have won all three games, with an average victory margin of 15.7 points.

"We traditionally want to play our games at Crisler (Arena) as often as possible," Beilein said of non-conference scheduling. "I'm not saying we won't go back to The Palace if it's a type of situation that we really think benefits Michigan 100 percent.

"But right now, I think this is the end of a great four-year series."

On Thursday, Kampe said he'd have like to see the series renewed, but explained how he respected his decision to call it off.

"John does not want to play it, and I respect him for that because he's honest," said Kampe, whose Oakland club is looking for a third consecutive NCAA Tournament bid this season. "He told me, 'Greg, you're good enough to beat us, and Michigan fans wouldn't understand (if Michigan lost) to Oakland.

"It's not a good game for Michigan, was basically what he said. I don't like it, but I respect the fact that he would tell me that."

Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.

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Comments

braggslaw

Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 3:24 a.m.

no-win situation

kidmich

Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 12:44 a.m.

I'm a huge Michigan fan but I'm a little disappointed Michigan won't play Oakland in the future. I don't quite understand the logic... "He told me, 'Greg, you're good enough to beat us, and Michigan fans wouldn't understand (if Michigan lost) to Oakland"... I don't know if Beilein actually said that, but if he did, it sounds a little like fear. I would suggest if you're going to compete for a national championship you shouldn't fear anyone.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.

I just love to read comments by m-shoe folks. It's so refreshing to read something that is so clearly stated and meaningful as the previous post. Actually, that sounds more like a hen than a cow, but what the hay. Variety is the the spice of life, they say. Guess the m-shoe guy, in keeping with the Wiscy game, just laid an egg. :0

Sparty

Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 9:54 p.m.

bawk bawk bawk.....

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 4:01 a.m.

I think the word for which Sparty is groping is "balk." Gotta love that Sparty education. Good Night and Good Luck

Brian Schwab

Sat, Dec 10, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.

Nice win against Nebraska Omaha, Sparty.