It didn’t end the way that the maize and blue faithful had hoped, but given that Michigan basketball wasn’t a lock for the NCAA Tournament, losing in the Sweet 16 to Villanova wasn’t such a bad deal.
The Wildcats didn’t thoroughly outplay the Wolverines as much as Michigan struggled in spots that they generally don’t — free throw shooting, hitting layups and dunks, and getting massive production from Hunter Dickinson. However, Villanova’s defense clamped down and made things difficult for the maize and blue, while Michigan’s defense also mostly held serve, forcing turnovers, getting blocks, and holding the Wildcats to long scoring droughts.
After the game, head coach Juwan Howard reflected on the performance as well as the season. Here is everything he had to say.
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