Michigan Basketball Overcomes Early Struggles to Reach Championship Game

Seeing the Red: Michigan Football's Longest-Tenured Player and Rivalry

Roddy Gayle Jr. emerged as a key player for Michigan, pacing the team with 20 points, setting a personal high. Will Tschetter also contributed with 10 points. Tre Donaldson and Nimari Burnett each scored nine, while Rubin Jones and Vlad Goldin added eight points each. Danny Wolf, although scoring just four points, had a game-high 11 rebounds. One interesting note was that Michigan's two 7-footers tied for the team assist lead with four each.

Despite getting off to a slow start, Michigan managed to keep the game close. They got out to a 5-2 lead with some quick transition scores but then went cold from the floor, missing nine consecutive shots, including eight 3-point attempts. Virginia Tech took advantage and went on a 10-0 run to take a 12-5 lead. But the Wolverines didn't give up. After Tschetter hit an open corner 3, Tech responded with another 9-2 stretch to double up Michigan, 21-10. However, Gayle's layup and Burnett's 3 sparked a 7-0 run, and although Tech scored five points in quick succession, Michigan regained the lead, 29-28, with some key shots from Gayle and Burnett. They went into the break up 34-33 after Tschetter made both of Michigan's free throw attempts.

Point Guards Propel the Strong Finish

The second half didn't start much better for Michigan as the Hokies made their first three attempts while Michigan opened the half 1-for-7 from the floor. Goldin missed some easy shots but did make a key tip-pass for a dunk after Wolf saved an airball. Tech missed their next four shots but took the lead again when Tobi Lawal hit a 3-pointer. But Michigan responded quickly. Wolf's skip pass to Donaldson for a 3 got them back within one. Donaldson then hit another 3 and a baseline layup, sparking L.J. Cason who scored a layup and a transition 3 to give Michigan a 53-49 lead in just 70 seconds. Michigan was on a roll.

Goldin's two blocked shots forced a shot-clock violation for Virginia Tech. The Hokies then went on a shooting slump, making just 28.6% of their shots after the break and only 16.7% of their 3-pointers. Michigan turned the ball over four times but still managed to pull away, thanks to Gayle's four free throws and Donaldson's slam. Even when Brandon Rechsteiner hit a jumper to get Tech back within eight, it ended a long drought for them. Michigan's defense tightened and their offense found its rhythm, setting up a Wednesday night championship-game matchup against the winner of Tuesday's late game between Xavier and South Carolina.