Going into Friday’s game between Michigan and Illinois, both teams were projected to be on the bubble and in danger of missing the post season. Thanks to a 21-4 run late in the second half, which included holding Illinois without a field goal for over 7 minutes, Michigan defeated Illinois 60-55. Michigan will be moving on and more than likely, into the NCAA Tournament as well.
The game was very close for most of the first half. Darius Morris and Zack Novak led the way for Michigan combing for 14 points midway trough the first half. Illinois did pull away late, ending the half with a 10-1 run that lasted 4:33. Illinois led at the half 34-23. Back to back 3’s by Novak and one by Stu Douglas kept Michigan in the game early in the second half. Though Michigan was still down by 12 with 10:03 left in the game, the kids never gave up and and it eventually paid off.
Tim Hardaway Jr. started the Michigan run with a 3 pointer and Evan Smotrycz and Darius Morris scored the next 10 points for the Wolverines. Smotrycz hit two huge 3’s, while Morris began to score in the lane and officially brought Michigan even at 51 with a short jumper with 3:31 left.
After exchanging free throws, Michigan’s Tim Hardaway Jr. hit a gigantic 3 with 1:47 left to put Michigan on top for good. Hardaway and Novak hit 4 out of 4 free throws to ice the game.
It was just a gritty performance by the Wolverines. Being down 12 on a neutral court and having the composure to stick with it, is showing how far this team has come and how much better they really are. Darius Morris, who had 17 points and 7 assists, knew what it was going to take to make a comeback. “We knew we were going to need stops. We knew if we got some, we could get back in the game. We had to play possession by possession.”
This was Michigan’s 9th win in 12 games and their playing their best ball of the season. Zach Novak had 14 points and Hardaway had 16, while Stu Douglas led the Wolverines in rebounding with 7. The Wolverines have a lot to be excited about. They have a great point guard in Morris, a rising star in Hardaway Jr. and a bunch of guys who can really shoot the 3. The more confident they become, the more dangerous they will become, come tournament time.
With this win, I completely expect the Wolverines to be a lock for the tournament. Considering what was riding on this game, I think we found out a lot about their team and how resilient they are. They never gave up and found away to win. I would have to consider this win the biggest of the season and just a glimpse of what we can expect from this team in the future.
Michigan will play Ohio State tomorrow. Michigan has lost twice to the Buckeye’s this year, but have played them well both times. Tip: ESPN 1:40 PM
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