The NCAA Tournament is loco. My blood is now officially at boiling room temperature for the next weeks.
Michigan started a little slow, but Big Ten Player of the Year Nik Stauskas made our first two shots, both 3’s, to keep it even early.
The Wolverines honestly played great except for surrendering offensive rebounds. We led 43-30 at the half behind a balanced effort. Texas only showed a quick, tiny point guard who led the game in scoring with 22.
In the second half, Texas surrendered two three’s to freshman Derrick Walton Jr. fresh out of the gate. Michigan turned it up and looked like they’d pull away until they stopped scoring. Sometimes, with a big lead, we try and play too perfect. That’s everybody, not just the Wolverines. We overthought a few passes and got stuck.
The Longhorns were able to strike within six. Glenn Robinson III made back-to-back buckets, the latter a triple to help us re-position the lead. Spike Albrecht, off the bench, really boosted us down the stretch with some shots and at least one very solid rebound for the under six foot snarf.
Stauskus finished with 17 points and 8 assists. Jordan Morgan made 7-8 free throws and joined Stauskus, Robinson, and “Gumby” with double-digits.
Michigan advances to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season.