For the fifth-straight time, Michigan basketball has made it to the Sweet 16. With the game being played in San Antonio, the last time the Wolverines squared off against a team in that city, it was the 2018 national championship game against the same foe: Villanova.
The Wildcats won that one, but the maize and blue got revenge later in the year during the regular season. Though, that being a regular-season game, the revenge wouldn’t be complete unless Michigan could eliminate Villanova from the NCAA Tournament and advance to the Elite Eight.
The Wolverines got out to an early lead, but the defense struggled to stop the Wildcats in the early going. Meanwhile, the offense, which started hot, cooled off as Villanova clamped down on that end of the court. The 3 ball was falling for ‘Nova, which allowed it to go on a 10-2 run and a 18-11 lead, with 12 minutes remaining in the first half.
But then the defense settled in, while the offense was still struggling to find some rhythm. The Wolverines had opportunities but missed four-straight free throws, which kept the score at 20-15. They clamped down for five-straight minutes, allowing the maize and blue to take a quick lead, but Villanova stole it right back, with just minutes to go in the first, 26-22.
After the two teams traded 3s, the half ended with the Wolverines down just 3, 31-28.
Unlike what we saw through much of the season, the defense continued to put the offense in a position to succeed. The second half saw an early drought by Villanova, yet again, but the offense refused to acquiesce.
And then, the scoring drought hit for the Wolverines.
Michigan found itself going a good five minutes of not being able to score, missing layups being the primary culprit.
With minutes left, Michigan still was struggling from the floor, but the defense kept the Wolverines in the game. But more misses inside the paint allowed Villanova to push the lead from four to nine with 1:49 remaining.
While the Wolverines caused numerous turnovers late, it wasn’t enough, as they succumbed to the Wildcats, 63-55, effectively ending Michigan’s season.
Here are our five takeaways.
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