Gut reactions as Michigan Basketball beats Tennessee to reach Sweet 16

HOW SWEET IT IS!

After a tumultuous season that included an up-and-down year on the court, Juwan Howard getting suspended, and numerous key players missing key moments for one reason or another, Michigan basketball is back where it belongs: In the Sweet 16.

To get there, Michigan needed to upset third-seeded Tennessee but with Rick Barnes on the other sideline, the Vols were susceptible. Juwan Howard delivered a great performance but it was nothing compared to what Hunter Dickinson and Eli Brooks did.

Dickinson and Brooks scored a combined 50 points and made 17-of-24 shots from the field. Down the stretch, when Michigan needed a spark, Terrance Williams delivered it, grabbing two key put-backs and making some key free throws.

But Eli’s drive for a 3-point play that gave Michigan a 3-point lead was the defining moment. Well, that and his insane hook shot, which he must have learned from Zavier Simpson.

Then, the defense, which clamped down during the final few minutes, delivered an upset that really isn’t all that stunning when you think about it.

What was surprising was the fact that Michigan held Tennessee to just 2-of-18 from 3-point range and those saying Juwan can’t coach need to reassess that opinion. He absolutely outcoached Barnes on Saturday and that’s one reason Michigan is still dancing.

Now, it gets to prepare for another four-team tournament next weekend, and here are the gut reactions from the upset win over Tennessee.

Gut reactions

• That could have been the best game of Eli Brooks’ storied career.
• Michigan doesn’t win without the Professor.
• Hunter Dickinson also played like a guy who didn’t want his college career to come to an end.
• Frankie Collins stepped up. He wasn’t perfect but didn’t hurt the Wolverines either.
• Terrance Williams is clutch. He also knows how to pass the ball.
• Poor passing nearly cost Michigan. Way too many breakaway dunks/layups for Tennessee and without that stuff, it’s probably a double-digit win.
• Hunter dominated one of the best defenses in the country. Major props.
• Caleb Houstan has to show up if this team is going to reach its ceiling. He played really well on defense though.
• Moussa Diabate makes mistakes but shows improvement every game.
• Feel awful for DeVante Jones. But his March Madness days aren’t done.
• So happy for Juwan Howard. What a coaching job.
• This team can keep going. But the season is now a success.
• Win in March and that’s all people remember.
• GO BLUE!