Michigan vs. Florida State: NCAA Tournament game preview, schedule and prediction

Predicting the Elite Eight matchup

I’m going to have a little fun this game and predict how each half goes, as well as a final prediction. Odds are I’m completely wrong but why not take a shot?

First half

Florida State’s size and length can be intimidating at first, and Michigan isn’t the kind of team to test them. And considering how hot the Wolverines were in their last game, expect them to shoot a bunch of three-pointers in the first 10 minutes. The Seminoles want that, as it speeds up the game and allows them to use their depth. Michigan makes a few in a row to take an early lead.

Wagner, in particular, exploits the Seminole bigs on the perimeter and gets them in foul trouble trying to guard him. Florida State’s offense doesn’t mesh well against Michigan early on, and the Wolverines take a 37-28 halftime lead.

Second-half

Michigan starts to smell blood and goes for the jugular in the first few minutes, making a couple of three-pointers to stretch the lead to double-digits. Hamilton gets nervous and uses a primarily offensive lineup to get back into the game.

And it works, as the Seminoles use a 12-0 run to tie up the game with about five minutes to go. The depth of Florida State is about to claim another victim before Wagner takes over again in the final minutes. Florida State’s defensive issues come back to haunt them, as they’re unable to stop Michigan down the stretch.

Next: Kansas State-Loyola Chicago Elite 8 preview

It’s a close game and everyone is nervous at the end, but the Wolverines hold off one final run from the Seminoles to hold on for the 72- 67 win, to advance to the Final Four. How does that sound?