Two games down, four more to go. The Michigan Wolverines took care of business during their pair of early-round games of the NCAA Tournament over in Buffalo. After bludgeoning No. 16 Howard in the second half of their Round of 64 game, it was more of the same vs. No. 9 Saint Louis in the Round of 32. Michigan is now the first team to officially punch its ticket into the Sweet 16 in this tournament.
Although Michigan was one of the most likely teams to win March Madness coming in this postseason, the Wolverines also have a distinct advantage working heavily in their favor as the Sweet 16 approaches. Not only will they get effectively two more days of rest over whoever wins the other Round of 32 game of note between No. 4 Alabama and No. 5 Texas Tech, but travel is in their favor...
Because the Midwest Region runs through Chicago, it is essentially a stone's throw away from Ann Arbor. When compared to where Lubbock and Tuscaloosa are on the map, you cannot put a price on this. The winner of Alabama vs. Texas Tech will not only be battle-tested in what may be a close game, but it has cross-country travel working against them, where as it is only regional travel for Michigan.
At this stage of the season, every little advantage matters. Look for Dusty May to exploit this big one!
Michigan has a massive travel advantage over their Sweet 16 opponent
As far as the on-court matchup is concerned between who Michigan would rather face between Alabama and Texas Tech, we will cross that bridge when we get there. That will be a major topic of conversation on Sunday, as well as early into next week once Michigan's Sweet 16 opponent has been decided. Over the years, it is why teams headlining each region have had such a big advantage.
Of course, it is exceedingly rare to see all four No. 1 seeds make it to the Final Four. Odds are that someone between Arizona, Duke, Florida, and Michigan will bite the dust long before it honestly should have. For the time being, Michigan seems to be doing a better job than most teams in their situation of holding steady. This is why the Wolverines have been an easy pick to win the whole thing.
Overall, it is feeling more and more likely that it just might be Michigan's year. Duke nearly lost in the first round to Siena. Few outside of Big 12 country really trust Arizona. As far as defending national champion Florida is concerned, the Gators were seen as the cream of the crop in the SEC coming in, but that league has proven to be such a total bloodbath around the top. Are they of caliber, though?
At this time, Michigan can rest easily, knowing they will have massive advantages in the Sweet 16.