Michigan Basketball: 3 things we learned in Wolverines win vs LSU

Michigan Wolverines guard Franz Wagner (21) dances after their 86-78 victory against the LSU Tigers during the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 22, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. Mandatory Credit: Barbara Perenic/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports
Michigan Wolverines guard Franz Wagner (21) dances after their 86-78 victory against the LSU Tigers during the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 22, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. Mandatory Credit: Barbara Perenic/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports /
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Barbara Perenic/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports
Barbara Perenic/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports /

It took everything Michigan basketball had, but the Wolverines are back in the Sweet 16, and here are three things we learned from Monday’s win over LSU. 

If it took you a minute to catch your breath after Michigan basketball‘s win over LSU, you probably aren’t alone.

It was a great basketball game, the kind that makes March Madness what it is. For a long time, it looked like LSU was going to knock out the Wolverines.

Yet, minus one of their best players, Michigan basketball found a way. It was an impressive performance and the 86-78 win can only help build the confidence of this team going forward.

https://twitter.com/MichiganOnBTN/status/1374177921984831492

Michigan will now face Florida State in the Sweet 16. First though, here are three things we learned from the win over LSU.

Franz Wagner is the closer

This tournament always felt like the time for Franz Wagner to have his breakout moment, the one that kind of guarantees his status as an NBA lottery pick.

Wagner might not have any work left to do in the lottery pick department, especially after taking over the game the way he did down the stretch.

His defensive versatility was a huge asset. His length, combined with his quickness makes it really tough for offensive weapons and it’s hard to say how many shots he impacted.

Then, when Eli Brooks and Hunter Dickinson were out due to injury and fouls, and the Wolverines needed offense, Wagner delivered. He connected on his last four shots including a dagger 3-pointer.

When you get to this point in the season, you need a closer and Michigan found its closer in Wagner.