For the fourth game in a row Michigan basketball held on for dear life to escape with a quality win. Dusty May's homecoming was a nerve-rattling one. Thanks to a last-second three-quarters court heave Michigan wins its seventh contest by four or less and their fourth straight by as many.
I have to think that long-distance miracle will be featured on "Bad Beats" with Scott Van Pelt soon. May and Michigan basketball will now turn their attention from Indiana's coaching dilemma to a battle for first place in the Big Ten on Tuesday.
Here's three of Saturday's victorious takeaways from Assembly Hall in Bloomington.
1. Michigan's offense only made 10 shots in the second half
The Wolverines were up by 16 at the break and led by as many as 18, but Indiana just kept chopping away at that invincible lead. The Hoosiers eventually tied it until Michigan basketball made just enough buckets to leave there with a very important win. It's the fifth time that these two combatants have played in a game decided by five points or less. The win also ends Indiana's win streak over Michigan.
Indiana's defense tightened up in the second 20 minutes not allowing the maize and blue to reach 30 for the half. Michigan went on scoreless droughts that let Indiana crawl back into it. Indiana's defense has been better lately, but because of their earlier losses, it has put them in a precarious position to miss the tournament.
Besides Vlad Goldin, Tre Donaldson and Danny Wolf, Michigan's offense was just 5-18. No one had more then five points. It was a goose egg from deep for Michigan's shooters following the intermission as well.