Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from Wolverines run to Final Four

Michigan basketball beat Florida State Saturday to clinch its second Final Four berth in six seasons. Here are three takeaways from UM’s Final Four run.

It’s been an incredible run for the Michigan basketball team over the past month. The Wolverines have won 13-straight games, a Big Ten tournament championship and have now clinched a spot in the Final Four.

Along the way, the Wolverines have beat some of the best teams in the country. Jordan Poole also hit one of the most memorable shots in Michigan basketball history. In 2013, UM had Trey Burke. This time it was Poole and an incredible defense.

Against Florida State, the defense saved the day again. After averaging more than 70 points a game so far in the tournament, Michigan’s offense managed just 58. The Seminoles are one of the best offensive teams in the country, so that’s a game they would expect to win.

But when it came down to it, Michigan’s defense was better. The Wolverines didn’t play their best, but they made shots and got stops when they needed them the most. Duncan Robinson hadn’t made a single 3-pointer, despite some really good looks. Yet, with 2:21 remaining, he buried a triple which put Michigan up 10.

Florida State eventually got it back down to two points and with 20 seconds left, Robinson was on the line. Michigan had already missed four free throws in the last couple minutes and one miss could allow Florida State to tie. Two misses would give the Noles a chance to win.

That’s what happened against Houston. If the Cougars don’t miss two free throws with 3.9 seconds left, Poole wouldn’t have gotten the chance to do what he did.

With ice in his veins, Robinson made both free throws. He got a defensive rebound 10 seconds later and dribbled out the clock. Michigan won 58-54 and is headed to its eighth Final Four. Here are three takeaways from its run to the national semifinals.