Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways for the Wolverines in the West Region

Michigan basketball didn’t get to play in Detroit, but it did get a No. 3 seed in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, in the West Region, here are three takeaways.

When the 2018 NCAA Tournament field was finally set, the Michigan basketball team had to be happy with its three seed. The only part the Wolverines shouldn’t be happy about, is getting shipped out of the West Region.

In the first weekend, it won’t be so bad. The Wolverines only have to go to Wichita, Kansas, where they will open with Montana. The Grizzlies are the 14 seed, Michigan basketball is the No. 3.

Montana is probably a little better than most 14 seeds, but still, UM is a heavy favorite. If the Wolverines get past the upset-minded Grizzlies, they will face either Houston or San Diego State.

What makes that interesting is the fact that the Aztecs were built into what they are today by former Michigan head coach Steve Fisher. Fisher retired from San Diego State after last season, but had a great run there. He also coached the Wolverines to a national title in 1989 and the Fab Five to two title game appearances in 1992 and 1993.

Regardless of which team advances, should UM get by the Griz, it will be a tough matchup. Houston should be particularly tough. The rest of the region is also very solid. Xavier is the top seed, followed by North Carolina, which just lost in the ACC title game.

The other top seed in the region is Gonzaga, the national runner-up a season ago. Ohio State is also fifth and Missouri, with Michael Porter Jr., back, are an eight seed.

Here is a look at some potential matchups for the Wolverines and some of the key things to look for in the next couple weeks as the 16 teams from the West battle it out for a berth in the Final Four.