5 takeaways: Michigan basketball takes down LSU

What we took away from Michigan basketball’s second-round game against 8-seed LSU in the NCAA Tournament.

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It’s do-or-die season for Michigan basketball, and with the Big Ten struggling to stay alive in the NCAA Tournament, despite putting nine teams into the big dance, it was up to the Wolverines or (seeming rival) Maryland to give the conference a chance.

But with the maize and blue facing off against 8-seed LSU, a known offensive juggernaut, it wouldn’t be easy for the Wolverines to stay alive — they’d have to earn it.

The open of the game appeared to favor the Tigers, as LSU jumped out to a 9-point lead, draining 3s and making tough shots all over the court. However, Michigan clamped down defensively to take a 43-42 lead into the half.

So, who would emerge in the second half?

It was a wild game, but eventually, Michigan pulled away just enough to beat LSU, survive and advance, 86-78.

Here are our five takeaways from the game.