A worthless late foul in the Michigan-UNLV game saved bettors against the spread

Michigan bettors had to sweat this one out til the very end

It’s fitting that the gambling capital of the U.S. sent sports bettors into the weekend holding their breath, right? As the clock neared midnight in Las Vegas, Nevada, the UNLV-Michigan game delivered some late-night dramatics for ticket-holders. If you didn’t manage to stay up for this 9:30 PT tip, here’s the rundown.

After about 36 minutes of back-and-forth basketball, No. 4 Michigan (-12.5) finally began to distance itself from a scrappy Runnin’ Rebels squad playing in its hometown at the Roman Main Event. The final 37 seconds, however, is where the real fun began.

Up 70-59, Michigan’s Eli Brooks stepped to the line and converted two free throws to give the Wolverines a 13-point lead. However, UNLV’s Bryce Hamilton trimmed the margin to 11 points again as he made his way to the rim for two more points with 16 seconds to play.

Seeking to dribble out the remaining 16 seconds on the clock, Michigan scampered around the court trying to avoid fouls in a way that young kids avoid being touched in a game of tag during recess. The ball ultimately ended up in Mousa Diabate’s hands as UNLV, down 11, committed an incomprehensible foul with just 3.7 seconds to play. The T-Mobile Arena crowd approved with not-so-subtle cheers, however, sensing the magnitude of the moment.

The arena grew a little louder after Diabate sank the first of two free throws and then erupted after the second put the Wolverines up 13, delivering on Michigan’s -12.5 spread. Hamilton spared any further drama and let the final 3.7 seconds expire as Michigan took a 74-61 win into the Roman Main Event championship game.

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