The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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34 THE WOLVERINE ❱ APRIL 2025 BY CHRIS BALAS M ichigan had barely had time to celebrate its Big Ten Tournament championship when its name was an- nounced in the NCAA Tournament Se- lection Show March 16. The Wolverines drew a 5 seed in the South region after sweeping three conference foes to win a title, and most analysts across the coun- try agreed they were done a disservice. Their first opponent — UC San Diego Thursday, March 20 in Denver. Wisconsin, a 3 seed, and Purdue and Maryland (4 seeds) were all given more favorable draws, and head coach Dusty May — while not complaining — clearly noticed the disrespect. "We control what we can control, so we're extremely excited to go to an amazing city," May said. "I love Denver, Colorado, so I'm just very grateful that this team can continue playing and we have another opportunity in postseason play. "I think we'll go out there with a little bit of extra edge, but this team is moti- vated intrinsically by the right things. So, like I said, we control what we can con- trol. We're grateful to be a part of it, and matchups and all those things are much more important than what number is next to your name." UCSD was one of the teams on May's "to scout" list given the potential to play them, and he was eager to get into the film. Several, including CBS' Seth Davis, had Michigan on upset watch after the bracket was released, noting the poten- tially bad matchup for the Wolverines. The Tritons entered the tournament win- ning 15 straight games, were 30-4, and turned people over at an incredible clip. U-M, meanwhile, had struggled with turnovers all year. Michigan had a quick turnaround, as well, and had to play Thursday at 10 p.m. (ET), only four days after its last Big Ten Tournament game. "I'm sure they're exhausted as well," May said. "Three games in three days, and to fight as hard as they did, and had some injuries … we were down some bodies. "But they know we have a high, high ceiling, and we don't feel like we've come anywhere close to reaching it. So, we're just trying to get better, continue work- ing, and once again just enjoying that this group can continue on." With a first-round win, U-M was set to face the winner of No. 4 Texas A&M and No. 13 Yale, junior forward Danny Wolf's old team. Auburn was the No. 1 seed in the bracket, while No. 2 Michigan State and No. 3 Iowa State also posed threats. It was possible Michigan and MSU could meet for a third time in the Elite Eight, but May and Co. weren't looking that far ahead. "We have a similar mindset," May said. "It's one and done, so it's not as if you can mimic the run, but I do like our fear- less approach. I think our guys are un- afraid of failure. They don't know what it is. " We j u s t ke e p go i n g a n d go - ing, and then when it gets late, then you have to start playing a little more time and score. But other than that, they just play. They're not looking at the bench. They're not looking in the stands. They're just consumed with sup- porting each other and working and try- ing to win the game, that possession." ❏ ❱ MICHIGAN BASKETBALL U-M Heads To NCAA Tournament As A 5 Seed With An 'Edge' ❱ Michigan Basketball* (25-9 Overall, 14-6 Big Ten) Date Opponent (TV) Time/Result Feb. 21 Michigan State L, 75-62 Feb. 24 at Nebraska W, 49-46 Feb. 27 Rutgers W, 84-82 Mar. 2 Illinois L, 93-73 Mar. 5 Maryland L, 71-65 Mar. 9 at Michigan State L, 79-62 Mar. 14 vs. Purdue** W, 86-68 Mar. 15 vs. Maryland** W, 81-80 Mar. 16 vs. Wisconsin** W, 59-53 Mar. 20 vs. UC San Diego # (TBS) 10 p.m. Mar. 22 Texas A&M or Yale # TBD * Results since mid-February **Big Ten Tournament at Indianapolis #NCAA Tournament at Denver Rubin Jones, Roddy Gayle Jr. and L.J. Cason (from l-r) were all smiles as the Wolverines celebrated their Big Ten Tournament title at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETICS