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After a one-year absence, the big dance returns, and it hasn’t disappointed thus far. After seeing a few major upsets on Friday — Oral Roberts defeating Ohio State and North Texas taking down Purdue — could the Wolverines handily take down No. 16 seed Texas Southern on Saturday afternoon and avoid a monumental upset?
No upset here. The Wolverines fend off a late run from Texas Southern to win 82-66.
The maize and blue had their way with the Tigers from the opening minutes. The Wolverines took a quick 7-0 lead and never saw the lead dip less than seven the rest of the way. Michigan got ahead to a 42-24 halftime lead, and the second half was all the same, just with more fouls being called, so more free throw shooting for the Tigers. Texas Southern did make a late run and cut the lead to 12, but the Wolverines hung on in the end.
Even without star Isaiah Livers, Michigan had enough production from other players to take care of the 16-seed Tigers. The Wolverines had a good balance from the 3 and from the paint. It seemed like the maize and blue could hit anything they wanted down low, or at least force Texas Southern to foul.
We’re now going to dive into the good, the bad, and the MVP from the first round.
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