Photo from the Detroit News
No one was talking about Michigan making the tournament this year. Even in mid-January, as Michigan stumbled to a 1-6 record in the big ten, they weren't on anyone's radar. Following their first win at Michigan State since 1997, Michigan proceeded to win 8 of their last 11 to get into the tournament. Even as Michigan drew an 8 seed to their first opponent's 9, most expected Tennessee to dispose of the Wolverines and give top seeded Duke a run for their money in the west bracket.
This Michigan team has exceeded expectations anyone had for them this year, and yesterday was no different as they beat Tennessee 75-45, the largest margin of victory in the 8 vs 9 seed game in tournament history. Now Michigan will take on top seeded Duke on sunday. And since the release of the 'Fab Five,' documentary looking back at the glory days of Michigan Basketball in the early 90s, there has been a renewed interest in the Michigan/Duke rivalry in the national media. It should be an exciting game tomorrow. Duke is a heavy favorite, but the wolverines have been playing well. Anything can happen, IT'S MARCH MADNESS!!
Go Blue
I was saying they would make the tournament! I believe if you look back on your last post on the UM basketball, you'll find I said just that!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Michigan was the first to team to win a tournament game without making a free throw, which says more about Tennessee's defense and Bruce Pearl than it does the Wolverines. It means UM was getting uncontested lay-ups and The Vols weren't protecting the paint. At some point they should have start knocking Michigan players on their asses as they drove to the rack.
But most importantly, if history has taught us anything it's that Michigan teams always fall on their face after Josh blogs about them. So mark tomorrow's game down as an embarassing blowout immediately followed by an NCAA investigation. Maybe we can stash this post in the library with all our banners.
"But most importantly, if history has taught us anything it's that Michigan teams always fall on their face after Josh blogs about them."
ReplyDeleteThey didn't fall on their face, but I still blame Josh.