NCAA Tournament 2019: UNC, Michigan and LSU most likely to fall in Sweet 16
By Eddie Herz
Michigan Wolverines
I’m not here to take anything away from John Beilein and what he has assembled in Ann Arbor. I’ve been a firm believer since day one that Michigan has what it takes to notch consecutive Final 4s for the first time since 1993.
Even for a team like the Wolverines who feature an incredibly balanced offense paired with a top-tier defense, the opponent you draw partially determines NCAA Tournament success. There aren’t any ideal teams to pull out of the hat at this stage of the tournament. Regardless, Texas Tech has to be one of the worst for Michigan.
The Red Raiders have won 11 of their last 12 games and are fresh off a convincing victory against a Buffalo squad that appeared to be a tough out. The most robust element of playing Michigan is matching its stout defensive intensity. Luckily for the Red Raiders, they are one of four programs along with Michigan who allow less than 60 points per game.
Expect a close contest in which points will be hard to come by. In the low scoring affair, I envision Jarrett Culver being the difference-maker who pushes Texas Tech into the Elite 8. Both teams possess more players than not who can do their fair share when called upon and contribute double-figures scoring. However, Culver is the only player on the court who is capable of completely taking over the game.
This will be a tough one for the Wolverines, especially if freshman-phenom Ignas Brazdeikis falters under the spotlight similar to last game. Failing to make an impact didn’t matter against Florida, but it certainly will against Texas Tech.