The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/299859
MICHIGAN BASKETBALL Record: 28-9, 15-3 Big Ten. Record from March 17-March 30: 3-1. Best Win — 73-71 over Tennessee in Indianapolis: The Sweet 16 matchup between the Wolverines and Volunteers looked like it might be as easy as Charles Woodson over Peyton Manning for a while. But it didn't quite work out that way, Tennessee rallying from 15 down with 10:56 to play to just a point behind in the closing seconds. The Volunteers clawed their way back, and a late U-M turnover left Tennessee nine seconds to win it. They got the ball to big man Jarnell Stokes, who low- ered his shoulder and spun toward the basket. But U-M fifth-year senior Jordan Morgan took the charge, the officiating crew called it, and Tennessee fans were given a replacement topic to whine about. For the Wolverines, it thrust them into their second straight Elite Eight, adding to the best two-year stretch (in terms of wins) in Michigan basketball history. A team that had lost two players early to the pros and a preseason All-American had emerged to do more than anyone could have imagined, and U-M fans exulted over that fact in Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. Worst Loss — 75-72 against Kentucky in Indianapolis: The high of the win against Tennessee succumbed two days later to the crestfallen feeling after a so-close defeat against Kentucky. Michigan stood a play or two away from a second straight Final Four, but those plays went in favor of the Wildcats. The one Michigan fans will never forget? Aaron Harrison's three-pointer in the closing seconds, swishing from 24 feet over the outstretched hand of a leaping Caris LeVert. The final shot in the blue-on-blue violence sent Kentucky fans into ecstasy, leaving the Wolverines desperate for one more bounce of the ball — one that never came. Sophomore Nik Stauskas stepped up and poured in 24 points for the Wol- verines, including 18 in a first half that saw Michigan take control early. The Wildcats hammered home dunk after dunk, but ultimately won the game by connecting on 7 of 11 three-point shots — including the one that sent the Wolverines home. Breakout Performer — Jordan Morgan: Stauskas was Michigan's MVP all year, and the Big Ten Player of the Year. But in the NCAA Tournament, the fifth-year senior Morgan stepped up to really provide the heart and soul of the Wolverines' run. His scoring, rebounding, defense and, perhaps most of all, his defiance of all those who doubted him and his teammates served to spark the Wolverines this March. Morgan saved his best for last, taking on every challenge and pushing MICHIGAN BASKETBALL REWIND: MARCH 17-30