One thing is for sure, Thursday's game between Michigan basketball and UC San Diego should have never been close.
If the Wolverines could make free throws and execute simple baskeball plays, they would have cruised into the second round of the NCAA tournament.
However, that's not what happened. The same issues that have plagued Michigan basketball this season nearly came back to bite the Wolverines.
Despite having a 15-point lead early in the second half, UC San Diego refused to go away and Michigan basketball refused to let them. With turnovers, missed layups, and worst of all missed free throws, the panic meter hit 10 when the Tritons tied the score and then took to a two-point with 2:29 left.
Yet, Tre Donaldson, who saved the day against Maryland, did the same against UC San Diego, drilling a 3-pointer that put Michigan back in front. The Wolverines trailed by 17 seconds in the entire game as they held on for a 68-65 win.
But it was long enough to make you think they might go home. After taking the lead back, the defense got a few stops. Vlad Goldin made two free throws with 19 seconds left, after a slew of key misses by the entire team, and a tying 3-pointer by the Tritons fell short.
The Wolverines survived and advanced. They will play Texas A&M on Saturday for a berth in the Sweet 16.
Michigan basketball made nine 3-pointers in the win. UC San Diego had seven. The Wolverines missed nine free throws and had 14 turnovers. Still, Goldin and Danny Wolf combined for 23 points, although just five in the second half.
Roddy Gayle scored 11 off the bench. Tre had 12 and some key rebounds down the stretch. It was a wild win, but a win is a win in the NCAA tournament. Here are the gut reactions.
Gut reactions to Michigan basketball NCAA tournament win
- I'll admit, I thought Michigan was cooked when it was down 65-63. Glad I was wrong.
- Michigan doesn't panic. That's an asset in March.
- The turnovers were maddening. So were the missed free throws.
- Danny Wolf has to play better in game two. The entire team needs to finish better around the rim.
- 3-point shooting saved Michigan basketball and that's not something I thought I would say.
- The defense was special. That's the biggest reason this team is still playing.
- It was awesome to see Seth Davis and so many "experts" be proven wrong.
- Tre Donaldson has ice in his veins. Where would Michigan be without him?
- Where are the Roddy Gayle haters now?
- If Michigan basketball doesn't take better care of the ball, it will get bounced by A&M.
- Still, this season is a success. Michigan has hung a banner and won an NCAA tournament game. All in year one under Dusty May.