INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Michigan withstood a late charge from Tennessee to defeat the Volunteers 73-71, sending the Wolverines into the Elite Eight where they’ll face the winner of Louisville-Kentucky. Despite an eleven-point lead at halftime, Michigan was unable to keep its hot three-point shooting deep into the second half, and a late run by Tennessee set up a finish that went down to the wire.
Four of the five Michigan starters scored in double-digits, as the Wolverines almost eclipsed Tennessee’s points-against average in the first half alone. Led by Jordan Morgan with 15 points, Michigan shot 55 percent from behind the arc, helping them build an early lead. But Tennessee used their inside size and dominance on the glass to stay just close enough, and when the Wolverines went cold late in the game, the Volunteers pounced. With Jordan McRae scoring 24 and teammate Josh Richardson dropping in 19, Tennessee used strong defense to get within one point and possession with less than ten seconds left, before an offensive foul gave the ball back to Michigan with a chance to ice the game.
Kevin Kugler and P.J. Carlesimo called the action on WestwoodOne Sports.
