Michigan basketball made it to the Sweet 16 for the third straight year with little trouble. Can they win the loaded West and make a return trip to the Final Four?
For the second straight year, Michigan was placed in the West region of the NCAA tournament and a date with Montana in the first round. This year, they got off to a much better start and easily took care of the Grizzlies in the first round, winning by 19. The second round was less dramatic this year as they disposed of Florida by 15. It was a completely different game from last year when they needed a Jordan Poole buzzer-beater to beat Houston to make the Sweet 16.
Also for the second straight year, Michigan will head to the West Region’s Sweet 16 with Gonzaga, Florida State and a team from Texas. Last year, the Wolverines beat up on Texas A&M and this year they must try to do the same to Texas Tech. They hope the outcome is the same as last year they were able to escape the West and make the Final Four. If they can do it again, it will be the first time since the Fab Five years that Michigan will make back-to-back Final Four appearances.
First up is a tough Texas Tech team who also won easily in their first two games. They put away Northern Kentucky in the second half and then completely dismantled a talented Buffalo team in the second round. Jarrett Culver led the team in scoring both games and has been the team’s go-to guy on offense. The Red Raiders were co-champs of the Big 12 as they finally brought the end to Kansas’s run of titles. They are the only team left in the tournament from the conference and Michigan will try and end their run.
Let’s take a look at what Michigan needs to do in order to beat the Red Raiders and have a chance to make another Final Four.