Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from heartbreaking UCLA loss
By Nick Popio
Michigan basketball’s storybook ride comes up a basket short of what would have been its third trip to the Final Four in the last eight years.
The Wolverines got off to a fiery start which was aided by UCLA not making a bucket for about six and a half minutes of the opening half. They briefly went on an early 7-0 run before Johnny Juzang connected on 12 straight points for the Bruins. The sophomore, Juzang, was in double digits for what seemed to be quicker than a hiccup.
Franz Wagner had to sit because of foul trouble at the final television timeout of the first half. By that point, the Bruins were able to take a slim lead that they didn’t release while heading into the locker room.
It was the first time that Michigan basketball was trailing at the break in this tournament. The one-man wrecking crew, Juzang, finished the half with 18 points on a sultry 80% from the field.
To begin the second the Bruins stretched their lead. Then Juzang rolled his ankle grabbing a rebound on a missed free throw. The momentum swiftly changed in Michigan’s favor. Hunter Dickinson went to work in the paint by getting a touch on nearly every possession. UCLA countered with the return of Juzang who promptly got taped up and returned to the floor.
This was one of the most enjoyable Michigan teams I have watched from beginning to end. Many highs. Very few lows. They greatly overachieved. Big Ten champs. 1 seed. Elite Eight. Losing like this is tough to swallow. But credit to Juwan Howard and the players for a heck of a year
— Drew Hallett (@DrewCHallett) March 31, 2021
The last few minutes were spine-tingling, to say the least. Everyone involved undoubtedly was on the edge of their seat of every possession. Wagner had a clear look that would have given Michigan basketball the advantage, but the stars weren’t aligned for the maize and blue at the bitter ending in this epic fight.