Where’s Manny?
Basics:
Who: Michigan (20-13) vs. Clemson (23-8)
Where: Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO
When: Thursday, March 19th, 7:10 PM
TV: CBS
Spread: Clemson by 5
Preview: Stat Sheet, U-M KenPom Profile, Clemson KenPom Profile
Radio: MGoBlue
Throw out all the celebrations, it’s time to play ball. This is the big stage and there is really no telling how Michigan will react. I could see them playing their best or worst game of the year or anything in between — that’s part of the beauty of this tournament.
While I’m sure there are a couple believers, most people firmly expect Clemson to win this game, not just President Obama. As Brian points out they have good reason to side with Clemson because statistically they appear to be the better team.
I’ve already looked at Clemson a little bit here and here including a look at Clemson’s press, the head coaches, Clemson’s tendency to collapse down the stretch, and personnel. So what does that leave for the preview? Let’s start with the strengths and weaknesses.
I am a firm believer that this game is going to come down to turnovers. Michigan doesn’t turn the ball over and Clemson forces turnovers as well as anyone in the country, who’s going to break? Beyond the turnovers here is a look at some other factors:
Clemson’s Strengths
- Offensive Rebounding. Clemson rebounds 38.8% of their misses (22nd) while Michigan only rebounds 67% of their opponents’ misses (188th). Clemson doesn’t have imposing size (their effective height is also below the college average) but they have a good core of athletes led by Trevor Booker.
- Shooting. Clemson s a very good shooting team and their 2 point, 3 point, and effective shooting percentages all fall in the top 55 nationally. They don’t attempt a particularly high number of three pointers but they have two very capable shooters in Terrence Oglesby and KC Rivers.
- Turnovers, blocks, and steals. As previously mentioned, Clemson excels at forcing turnovers. They rank in the top 16 nationally in turnover, steals, and block percentages. Michigan has played three schools that force more turnovers than Clemson (Savannah State (9th), Northwestern (12th), and UCLA (15th)) with about a 50% success rate. Savannah State and Northwestern (round 2) were nightmares while UCLA and Northwestern (round 1) were solid performances.
Clemson’s Weaknesses
- Defensive Rebounding. Clemson rebounds only 63.5% of their opponents’ misses (302nd). Michigan isn’t a good enough offensive rebounding team to really punish them in my estimation. I also think that when a team blocks (and attempts to block) so many shots they are more likely to give up offensive rebounds.
- Getting to the line. Clemson doesn’t get to the line much at all, just a little more than Michigan. Both teams do a good job of keeping opponents off of the line and neither team can get there. Will there even be a free throw attempt?
- Three point defense. Clemson has a solid 2-point defense but they allow their opponents to shoot 35.8% from behind the arc, well above the national average. This is worse than every Big Ten team besides Indiana.
Intangibles
- Pace. I pointed out that Clemson tends to play at a faster pace and Michigan tends to play at a slower pace. However Michigan plays better at a faster pace while Clemson plays better at a slower pace. Judging by Ken Pomeroy’s correlation data (which I believe I am reading correctly), Michigan’s offensive efficiency increases and their defensive efficiency decreases the faster the pace of the game. Clemson’s data shows the exactly opposite effect.
- Coaches. Beilein has overachieved just about every time he is in the tournament (4-1 in the first round, 6-4 overall) and Purnell is the exact opposite (0-5 all time). Will the trend hold or is regression toward the mean likely?
- The Collapse. I also talked about this early in the week but Clemson looks to be in the midst of their patented mid-season collapse. Will they be able to break the curse with a tourney win this year?
- Conferences. The Big Ten has been getting destroyed for the last two weeks or so in the media. The last time Michigan played an out of conference game they hung with a #1 seed that they matched up terribly with on their floor. The most surprising aspect of the UConn game was that at times Michigan looked more physical than UConn. I will be keeping a keen eye on the officiating. I think Michigan fares better in a tightly called game but maybe they are more prepared than we think for a more physical game because of the physical nature of the Big Ten?
- Rest. This was originally pointed out in the comments (sorry I don’t remember by who) and brought up again in an MGoBlue diary along with some fancy tables and graphs. The bottom line: Michigan plays much better with rest and this should be a good sign for the first round but not so much the second.
I arrived in Kansas City tonight so I’ll be at Sprint Center all day tomorrow. Seeing Michigan run on the court in Kansas City will be a treat in itself, especially in a year I only dreamed about making the tournament. It’s win or go home but I am proud of this team regardless. As a fan all I can hope to see is that all-out nothing to lose attitude that we saw against UCLA, Duke, and Purdue. Pomeroy and Vegas both like Clemson by 5 but it’s hard to go against John Beilein in the NCAA tournament.
Hopefully there is a good crowd of Michigan fans at the game but after seeing the turn out in Indianapolis I’m not expecting much. I’ll be posting comments throughout the day so stay tuned. Let’s hear your thoughts, predictions and Kelvin Grady talk in the comments.
Go Blue.
Pre-Game Reading:
- After 10 seasons, Michigan basketball has ended its dry spell
Rosenberg on the last 10 years - The OP
Clemson blog with a look at the other side - Beilein’s power of persuasion lifts Michigan
“He’s done a great job of getting us to believe,†Sims said. “Believing had been lost before – maybe since the last time they were in the tournament. “But he taught us to believe again, and once you do that, it’s very easy from there.†- Manny Harris’ swag is enough to get Michigan a tourney win or two
One thing about me… Yeah I got swag. - Men’s Basketball Media Quotes from NCAA First-Round Practice
Beilein, Merritt, CJ - Practice Photo Gallery
There is also a video from practice on the main basketball page at MGoBlue - Michigan vs. The Field
Worst field goal differential and rebounding margin with the most three point attempts. - NCAA First Round: (7) Clemson vs. (10) Michigan
Deadspin
I think that the revolving point guard issue will be in our favor. The full court press for an entire game will wear a traditional team down and leads to big runs by Clemson. We have plenty of people to run in there to break the press. While admittedly, none of them are great at it, at least a let down shouldn’t be because we are tired.
The quote from the OP (Clemson blog) from thier player Stit, “I don’t think they’ve seen the press that we’re capable of putting on people. Manny Harris is a good player and they have some good guards, but at the same time, if we can impose our will on them, they’ll be tired by the end of the game.”
I am worried about alot in this game but tired guards is not one of them.
One thing to keep in mind when looking at Clemsons FG% and eFG% is that a lot of their points come off turnovers. They get those high percentage shots which inflates their FG%.
It would not surprise me at all to see Clemson with a low FG% from the field if UofM can keep their TOs to a minimum.
Also, in regards to the question “Where’s Manny?” I could be wrong because the face doesn’t seem to look like him from that far away, but I think Manny is the third guy from the shoulder of the large Mizzou player. next to a Temple player (presumably Christmas). It’s at least a number 3 with something that looks like a Michigan jersey.
Maybe that was a different question as in “Why isn’t Manny in this photo?” In which case I want the past 10 minutes of my life back.
Hey Dylan,
I just wanted to say enjoy the game, and thanks for running such a great site. This was the year I really got back into U-M basketball, and this site made it that much more fun.
Cheers, and more importantly,
GO BLUE!
old fan,
you are correct I think.
Anyways, nice job Dylan.
old fan,
you are correct I think.
Anyways, nice job Dylan.
I think that is a Memphis player old fan…not certain, but that is what it looks like to me.
Am I the only one that can’t sleep? just a little over 14 hours now
At the beginning of the year I said repeatedly “I just want them to show improvement, maybe pull an upset or 2.” My hopes were for 16 or so wins and a .500 record overall.
Then the Duke win changed everything and I started thinking maybe this was a tournament team. There were ups and downs but all along I kept saying “I just hope they make the tournament. I just want to sit down and watch the tournament and see Michigan play.”
Well, I got my wish. It doesn’t matter if they win or lose, I have really, really enjoyed this season. I can’t help but think that they should be even better next year.
Go Blue!
Yes, As a season ticket holder the past 5 seasons I’m proud of this team and the coaches. Coming off a horrible season last year I didn’t expect to make any kind of noise in the post season. If they lose to Clemson, I’m not going to hold my head down cause I know they’ll be coming back to the tournament soon.
And this is a great site. I come to it everyday. Thanks.
Right. No matter what happens tonight, we’ve got to remember that it’s all icing on the cake now. So even if we don’t pull the upset, it’s been one great ride all season.
JimC – You are correct, but I just hope they don’t play like that tonight.
I want to get everyone’s thoughts on rooting for the Big Ten. As much as I despise the Buckeye’s, I want them to win at least one or two games before bowing out. I just want the Big East and ACC pieholes to be stuffed…with a bunch of quality Big Ten wins. Anyone have enough anger in them against OSU to put that ahead of conference success?
Dylan great job and enjoy the tourney. If you have never been everyone needs to go to a First/Second round tourney site once in their lives at least. I agree that CJ has been our most consistent pg but merritt has not been great and is horrible against the press; even just token pressure. I think kelvin should see some minutes and if he screws up and is handicapping us on defense then pull him. In my opinion merritt and kelvin are kind of the same player, with kelvin having better ball skills something you want at the pg position. Either way I trust beiline, he got us here so he’ll find the best way to do it.
I agree. Knowing Michigan probably isn’t going to win the national title (heck, just getting to the final four would involve wins over Oklahoma, Syracuse, and UNC), the next best thing to hope for is a good showing for the Big Ten.
Although I did just read an article on Yahoo sports about how Beilein let the team “live it up” with dinner at Cheesecake Factory last night. Let’s hope they don’t *play* like they’re just happy to be there, though!
The Big Ten has favorable matchups in the 1st round. It’s the 2nd round that might do ‘em in. I can see MSU and Purdue advancing to the Sweet 16.
Andy, how is Merritt and Grady the same kind of player? Have you been watching them at all this season?
Did I just read that Merritt and Grady are the same player???? Grady is an exceptional athlete with super speed, and average defense. Merritt is totally unathletic and slow with terrible defense. Grady is 100 times superior offensively and the only reason I can imagine Merritt plays at all is the fact hes a 5th year senior. Beilein has done a great job, but he missed on this one. Plain and simple.
YpsiTuckyBoy, for sure – I’m pulling for all the B10 teams to win, even OSU & MSU (well maybe not to win the title, but at least the first few rounds).
Isn’t that Shep by the “d” in “Illustrated”?
i actually got what he was saying. i consider merritt a poor man’s grady. he does handle the ball better than lee, but his lack of speed makes him much less effective breaking pressure than grady. he does shoot better than lee, but not as well as grady.
merritt also sometime gets lost in the trees on defense like grady does, but has less speed to make it up…on the flip side, he really does try hard and that makes up for his lack of defensive speed (sometimes…like not against iowa on the road. every 3 iowa hit was over slow merritt).
anyway, like i said before, this team has exceeded every expectation. i’m going to *try* to just enjoy tonight. (in all honesty i’ll probably go batshit crazy).
yeah, scratch that….what’s one more expectation to exceed? win tonight, go blue!
also, yes go big ten. in my bracket where i have UM winning it all, i have 7/16 b10 teams in sweet 16, 7/8 in 8, 4/4 in 4, and 2/2 in the finals, with michigan pulling off a 90 possession, 100 point thriller over MSU
I’m not too worried about the Clemson press. With this much time to prepare, JB will have us ready for that. If we lose, it will be because we are cold shooting the ball, which includes Sims from inside. There have been a few games where Sims is getting some good looks, but just isn’t making them.
yeah i have the big ten going 10-7 and the acc 6-7. no bias here.
Here are two keys I see nobody has pointed out yet about this game. Clemson shoots only 68% from the line. While we are one of the top shooting teams in the big ten. Also, they allow 35% from 3 point range. You have to remeber about Clemson’s field goal shooting is the pace is much faster in the no defense ACC. This game comes down handeling the press, foul shooting and defense. With that being said, I like are chances. If we can get one more scorer to go along with Manny and Deshawn we will win. Hit the D-boards guys that is the key just like against Minnesota
Old fan is right, that’s probably Manny… Memphis’ home uniforms don’t have the dark piping around the collar.
i found manny! he is definitely NOT the guy in yellow on the right. he’s towards the middle. to the left of the temple jersey, also to the left of kansas.
i think it’s from the purdue game when manny was on fiy-ah
The atmosphere here in Kansas city is really nice. Tons of people walking around and enjoying themselves. Sprint Center is also very nice even if it is basically all Memphis fans right now.
Hey I found a great new desktop background just in time for today. There is a larger size on this website too.
http://nothingisilluminated.co.....80x800.jpg
I am heading down around 3:30 to take it all in, too. Proud we are hosting it and can’t believe my luck that UM was sent to KC…unreal.
The Clemson press looks like a pretty basic zone trap. This isn’t some exotic animal like our vaunted 1-3-1. I am not sure that multiple days to prep will be as helpful as they would be against a more exotic defense, but hopefully our big guys got plenty of practice finding holes in the zone and passing over the defense. Our guards alone won’t be able to dribble through the press all game (except for Grady, who is a man possessed while dribbling). I hope Grady gets some run today.
Off of Clemson’s made baskets, DeShawn and Gibson need to pull the ball out of the net and get it to a guard QUICKLY. The clips I have seen of Clemson’s press make it clear that they get in position in a big hurry. We are going to need to hustle inbounding the ball if we don’t want them to get properly arranged before every play. Look for Beilein’s Boys to attack the middle of the zone if at all possible. Our big guys are going to need to play some smart basketball today whenever Grady is not in the game to weave around everyone (which could be the entire game).
Does anyone know if Clemson presses off of misses? They don’t set up that zone trap on defensive rebounds, do they? I would imagine that they just pick up M2M in those situations, but would love some confirmation.
ha, im an idiot, read oldfan’s post wrong, we are talking about the same guy
in case anybody is curious i have been watching the games online because thats how ill have to watch the game ncaa on demand.com and the quality is damn good…….so if you cant get the game on tv i highly recommend online……its almost as good as tv
I totally have all 7 Big Ten teams making the 2nd round!
I totally have all 7 Big Ten teams in the 2nd round. Were it not for Salley doing his best Tayshaun Prince impression Northridge would be in control of this game right now.
Interesting to watch Cs North play the 1-3-1 against Memphis. They do not extend as far, but they are very aggressive at going after the ball. Memphis was settling for threes for most of the game, but now they are attacking the basket. North is able to answer and stay in it though. Along with the Butler-Lsu game we got some great finishes coming up. Plus its almost three o’clock which means i can start drinking. Wooohooo for March Madness!
While I’m glad my Final Four pick survived, its always irritating to see the little guy get dumped on in the last 5 mins. Memphis must be on like a 20-4 run.
Robert Sallie was ridiculous in game #1. Hopefully a little of that hot shooting rubs off on Michigan.
Interesting verification that it is Manny where I thought, but the twist is that his skin was lightened. mgoblog.com discusses it. I thought it didn’t look like him. At least I am not insane, though I could use that 10 minutes back either way.
Purdue tips of the tournament for the Big Ten, and what a shock, they’re running! Could it possibly be that Big Ten teams *can* run when they want to?
I think I have a man-crush on Robbie Hummel. The dude is just a stud. And Chris Kramer plays absolutely lock down defense. I actually like them even though they’re a conference foe.
yeah, sorry oldfan. keep on rockin it.
Go ALL Big Ten Teams!!! Let’s stick it to Digger Phelps….
Erik, that has been my desktop all season!.. well since the Duke win. I love it!
In KC and excited for Michigan’s first tourney game since I was a frosh. Saw Beilein in the lobby when we picked up our tickets. Ticket mgr said the Michigan allotment was 350 with 50 of those going to students. Hope the other 49 students are drinking up too so we make some noise.
Wthef: what row are the student tickets in? Any idea if they are all together?
My group got tickets in row 22 & 24 – students are all together. Should be good seats. Excited for the game – go blue!
Listen LIVE to tonight’s Michigan-Clemson NCAA Tournament Game. The opening tip is slated for 7:10 with our coverage beginning at 7:00 on the WCBN Sports Stream. Go to maizeandblog.blogspot.com for the all info. GO BLUE!!!
Dylan, did you get that Sports Illustrated from KC? I just got mine (in Ann Arbor), and it has four big players from the big ten and one from Marquette (know idea why). Manny is on the far right of that one in the same pose as the person in question above.
Go Blue!
Its now almost 5:30 and im getting nervous. I keep thinking how great it would be to win tonight but I cant seem to shake this doubt. I just cant wait, the waiting is the hardest part.
Go Blue, I agree, I’m nervous. Just remember, this is gravy. A win is great, but I’m just happy to see them in prime time in the dance. GO BLUE!!!!! Give us a win boys!
Kevin, the SI is out in four editions depending on the area of the country you are in you get the big pictured players from your area.
Time is dragging so ssssllllooooowwwww. Get me to game time.
Here’s the midwest version of the SI cover:
http://vault.sportsillustrated...../index.htm
GO BLUE!!!!!
NEVER, EVER LEAVE THE COUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I sort of figured that SI cover was regional…noticed the Oklahoma and Texas bias. Makes sense.
Too bad about Memphis winning, Cal St. gave them a good run.
I struggled with the Northern Iowa/Purdue game, I like to root for the mid-majors. But I am sick of the B10 hate too. In the end, I think I was still pulling for NI, but was OK with the Purdue win. The B10 might not get very far, but they could still have a nice showing if they could go 5-2 or 6-1 in the 1st round.
It’s time for everyone’s dream to become reality as the anxiety and nerves are kicking in and wishing we play well enough to win tonight. This is real folks. The time has come. The dream is Real.
The Michigan crowd here is great. Go blue!
Dylan, give us a scene! What’s it like?
Ha! Typed too slow! Thanks Dylan!
I’m tweeting pics if you check twitter
MICHIGAN CHEERLEADERS!!!!! Wooo Hoo! Let’s go BLUE!
Oh my god. We’re about to play an NCAA tournament game. This is so surreal.
GO BLUE!!!
Ok. the airballs aren’t helping…
Ok. I think it is safe to say we are a little nervous.
Early game jitters obviously, hopefully it will go away. Not a big Grady guy, but he has to be in for at least 25 tonight.
Sounds like a Michigan crowd.
Ogulsby (sp?) Can shoot as many times as he wants tonight. Kind of like Wright right now.
Garbage call. That was a clean block
We’ve got the crowd on our side but not the refs. Peedi getting mauled and they call nothing, but they call that one on Stu?
We’re handling the press pretty well. Just gotta be smart with the ball when we get a 3 on 2 after we break it. And need to get REBOUNDS!
Crowd is great. Michigan is settling down a bit. Need to do a better job on the glass for sure. Peedi is a no show right now.
Clemson is cold. We need a huge run before they start making them again.
More Twitter pics! Please!
Don’t know if their poor shooting is keeping us in the game or if our inability to grab a rebound is keeping them in the game??
I think the first one, wooderson
2 on Oglsby. Go after him!
So far seems to be a typical low scoring “sloppy” B10 game! Bad news for the ACC team.
Three point shooting is great so far.
Have to say Wright is the last guy I expected to see in this game. Must be practicing well or something? He seems to be playing ok so fine by me, I don’t question Beilein at this point.
Unbelievable play by Harris there. I think they need to keep getting the ball to him in the middle of the court against the press and let him make plays.
Here comes Clemson. Come on boys, answer this.
We’ve got to plug up the middle on D. I know they’re shooting a terrible percentage overall, but we just can’t give up uncontested layups every few possessions.
Holding an ACC team to 22 in the first 16+ minutes. That’s some good D. I know they’ll say they went cold, but going cold is a function of good defense
Grady just flys down the court through the press, I like it.
Did he say Grady? Grady is in?
too many easy boards. manny is incredible.
Great half. Handling the press with relative ease. Hopefully Clemson keeps tossing bricks and Sims steps his game up in the second half.
we Need to find a way to bring down more drebs to pull this out…we’ve been getting pretty lucky so far
Too many second chance points and easy buckets for Clemson. We are definitely struggling with their length and athleticism. The press is troublesome but I don’t think we have turned it over that much overall.
Manny is flat out balling. Three point lead and Peedi only has 2 points. I’ll take it. Go blue.
Everyone looks scared besides Manny, Lee and Stu. Great minutes out of Gibson. I wish Grady’s head could keep up with his feet. Also, what are we, like 1-7 on back door passes?
Dylan, here’s your complimentary halftime stats update:
U-M’s turned it over 7 times in roughly 28-29 possessions.
Clemson’s grabbed 11 of 23 offensive rebounding opportunities.
3-point shooting arguably the difference: 40% for U-M, 16.7% for Clemson.
Both teams shooting 33.3% on 2-pointers.
I think your guys will need to close the rebounding/turnover gaps in the second half, as Clemson’s like to shoot the ball better at some point.
Clemson has has some easy buckets, but i would say for the most part our 1-3-1/2-3 and their press aren’t factors right now. If we can get Sims going early in the 2nd half i LOVE our chances.
for those of you at home… How does the crowd sound? Pro UM in my eyes but I’m in the middle of it.
I can’t think of a single turnover directly forced from the press. So that’s very good. Very nervous start but recovered. Gotta get boards, gotta play with poise, and hope for the best. And go Minnesota and go Big Ten!
Not that anyone is surprised or cares about Digger at this point but he tore the Big Ten apart before the 7pm games started. Said this is the worst B10 has been in a while which is just blatantly false.
Go American as well.
Crowd sounds pro UM but to be honest havent really noticed it a lot except for the timeout at the 8 min mark.
Dylan, you can definitely tell on TV that there are way more Michigan fans than Clemson fans there. You guys are very loud on defense. Does it seem like the neutral fans are siding with us though?
On TV the crowd def sounds pro-UM, the announcers even noted how loud the Mich fans were.. we’re gonna need Sims to show up 2nd half and get some easy buckets inside when Clemson finally starts hitting some shots. GO BLUE
They’re doing a great job of not giving Douglass or of Novak any open looks at all. We need whoevers playing point to start shooting or Sims to do something inside to draw the D in. Maybe Grady can give him some of his extra energy.
Have any more cool pictures Dylan? How about some of the cheerleaders!
i thought stu’s last second heave was gonna go in
Giddings, the neutral will side with us. As overrated as the B10 may be seen, the ACC is hated everywhere outside the southeast coast. It’s more to see Clemson be humiliated by an “overrated B10 team” than a likeing of the underdog or UM.
Dang that opening play went from inches from a steal to an easy 2…
If Novak gets hot, this is over.
Stuuuu with a dunk!?!?!
now THAT’S the way to open a half! WOOOOO HOOOO!
Douglass can dunk?
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STU!!!!!! They are destroying this press. Nice halftime adjustments by JB.
American over Nova by 10? Akron over the Zags? Wow.
INTENTIONAL FOUL!!!! They are rattled as heck
Clemson looks like they’re getting frustrated……..They must be thinking about “0-5″ OP! Let’s make it 0-6
Should be a flagrant….
Clemson needs to get control of its team!!!! Sorry, couldn’t resist.
I dunno, looks like a flagrant to me…
EJECTED!
An elbow? Thats an automatic ejection in the big 10. Wheres Bias on this one.
EJECTION, SEE YA!!!!!!
That wasn’t worth an ejection in my book, but rules are rules.
NO!! leave him in!!!
WOWWWWW
That elbow was much more intentional than Manny’s elbow, that’s for sure. I would say it’s equivalent to Novak’s elbow on PJ Hill.
Give Beilein a few days, he’ll figure out how to destroy you. Come on Blue, run them out of the building.
American up 14….. WOW
Its all about finishing now. There is a whole lot of time left. Cannot let up at all.
I agree Giddings. It was intentional.
Dylan, what’s the feeling there in the Blue section? Ready to party?
Wow! What a start to the half! Let’s just make sure to keep our intensity. Win the next four minutes…
go blue! That’s a start to a half. A lot of time left. Gotta finish.
CBS stat: Harris scored or assist on 10/16 FG
That’s the first TO on the press, right?
Ack! CBS in Toledo switched to Minn-TX!!!
No way Mason! That blows
NCAA.com has the live cast.
i think so. and a pretty quick 5 seconds by my watch. ok time for grady.
stu having a great game but gotta be careful
This is what I was afraid of.
3 to’s in 4 posessions, need to do a bit better… Come on boys!
Since roughly 6-8 minutes into the game where Clemson had 8 offensive rebounds, they’ve only had 5 since.
Looks like Minnesota is losing. Sorry Tubby…
Ugh, we need Manny back in there!
The wheels seem to be coming off a bit.
I’m getting nervous…50-43..offensiv rebounds are killing us
This game is so Slow! It feels like an hour since halftime ended.
Six and a half minutes without a FG and we still lead by 7. That’s defense!
Huge Zach Gibson!
Clemson is overplaying too much on defense, considering there are still 8 minutes left. U-M players need to make them pay, rather than pulling the ball back out. Can’t sit on the lead with this much time left.
What a huge f’in rebound by Gibson there.
Our best offense is the clock right now. The longer we can tap the ball out, and kill the clock the better. It is also a very good defense.
Thank you SIMS!
Only annoying thing about having a big lead – the announcers, who naturally want a close game, start rooting for the other team.
Come on Blue! Under 5 minutes. Hang on!
No more quick shots!
Come on now….give some props to ZACH GIBSON….hell of a game. Very active, keeping people occupied on defense, getting rebounds, loose balls,knocking loose balls to teammates…i’m very pleased with his performance
Ugh – we’re not good playing with the lead. Patience, guys, patience.
I’m gonna be sick
Do we really need a commercial after every play?
Wow, I don’t expect that kind of TO from Manny. Need some defense here! Come on Blue! Go on a run of your own!
CBS does a great job showing the shot clock…. when it gets down to 5
WHY shoot that three? Why are we acting like the clock is our enemy?
Man, they are choking this away…I can’t believe this is happening. Two bad TOs by Lee
This is awful
Me thinks we a bit tired.
I told my wife today I wouldn’t get upset if they lost…unless it was a bad loss. Blowing a 15 point lead in the last 5 minutes counts as a bad loss. (12-0 Clemson run right now)
We just need a stop here, and we should be ok with the way we shoot FT’s.
MANNY!!!!!!!!
So….quick observation here. Defense was much better in the interior with ZACH GIBSON in the game. Yup.
I know hes been sitting but I might put in Grady here to break the press. He was doing it easy in the first half.
I understand Mith! I’ve been saying that anything extra is gravy, but if we lose after having a 15 point lead, it will be little comfort.
I’m having Iowa/NW flashbacks. Please, please take care of the ball and let them foul you.
Make the free throws down the stretch now.
Must make FT’s… Come on Novak
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO BLUE!
GAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
OHHHHHH YEESSSSSSSSSASSSSSDSSSS
WE WIN! AMAZING! GO BLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEE!
Dylan! You get to see UM OU!!! Cool. I expect cheerleader pictures tomorrow! Have a keg for us!
GIVE BEILEIN A 10 YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION
im happy, i liked gibson’s effort there it wont show up on the box score.
ITS GREAT TO BE A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE!!!
YES YES YES OH MY GOD! WE WON AN NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME!!!!!!!!!
BRING ON OKLAHOMA!!!!!!!!
Thank God. My heart is still racing.
SCREW YOU DIGGER PHELPS! That’s 2-1 for the Big Ten so far.
Moving on. It’s great to be a Michigan Wolverine!
Beilein is the real deal. I knew that he is good but did know that he is THAT GOOD. Hats to the boys.
That was a hard fought game! Ok, everyone sing!!!!!
Now for a cheer they are here, triumphant!
Here they come with banners flying,
In stalwart step they’re nighing,
With shouts of vict’ry crying,
We hurrah, hurrah, we greet you now, Hail!
Far we their praises sing
For the glory and fame they’ve bro’t us
Loud let the bells them ring
For here they come with banners flying
Far we their praises tell
For the glory and fame they’ve bro’t us
Loud let the bells them ring
For here they come with banners flying
Here they come, Hurrah!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan
The leaders and best!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
The champions of the West!
We cheer them again
We cheer and cheer again
For Michigan, we cheer for Michigan
We cheer with might and main
We cheer, cheer, cheer
With might and main we cheer!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan
The leaders and best!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
The champions of the West!
Wooo Hoo! Thanks guys!
Its been a while since I have felt this great! I love it.
Yeah!!!!!! MICHEEEIGAAAAANNNNNN!
Whew!
I haven’t been this tensed-up for a game since the ’06 World Series.
Bravo Manny! Bielen is God!
MARCH MADNESS IS ABOUT SURVIVING AND MOVING ON, BUT MANNY HARRIS WON THIS GAME FOR US.
Beilein remains #1 in the country at Performing Above Seed Expectations!
Manny hit the clutch shots when we needed them that’s for sure Chad! If everyone else shows up against Oklahoma, we should hang with them decently.
Wow, watching that game at a East Lansing sports bar. I didn’t care who I pissed off. That was AWESOME!!!!!!!!
Manny Harris with the and 1 was play of the game, if not play of the day!
Big Ten Rules! I am so proud of this team, they are playing WAY above expectations. I will fully admit there were times this season and last season where I doubted Beilein. I just want to say I’m sorry. Can you imagine next season? We could seriously win the Big Ten!!!!!
Oh, and one more thing…
BRING ON BLAKE GRIFFIN!!!!!
too manny fresh plays in the clutch. his and-1 could be the play of the first round.
welcome to death, blake griffin.
GO BLUE
I would be sweet to be in the sweet 16. We don’t win many games after only 2 days rest, but we did beat Duke after only a couple days! It can be done! Time for a brew in toast to the mighty blue!
yay.
Bring on Oklahoma, we are more than capable of beating them. We are going to need more from Deshawn next round. Man this is sweet!!!!!
amazing…i was at a sports bar called the score on the east belt line with some friends, pretty great place, tons of tvs, decent food, some pretty good looking waiters, and plenty of michigan fans!!!
GO BLUE!!!
I think we’re going to need Zack Gibson to defend Blake while Sims goes against Taylor. The other important matchup, Manny Harris vs. Willie Warren. That should be fun.
Was I the only one screaming for Grady when we were turning the ball over repeatedly down the stretch? Beilein did a great job and deserves alot of credit but I think we win this game easily with a press breaker like Grady helping out down the stretch. I am so stoked with this win, thank you Manny!
witnessing the rebirth of the michigan basketball program….simply a-MAIZE-ing
I wasn’t screaming for Grady. I still don’t know why you love him. I didn’t see much out of him tonight aside from a really sweet airball.
I think he’s just as likely as anyone else to make some turnovers down the stretch.
Agreed. Grady should have been playing the last 10 minutes of that game. Regardless, that was fun to watch. We’ve been cheated that last 11 years.
Watching OU right now. Looks like it’s going to be a really tough match up. I think we’re going to have to see a lot of 2-3. I think they’ll eat up the 1-3-1. Can’t wait to see what Beilein comes up with.
All I know is that if we can walk into UConn and handle Thabeet like we did, we can handle Blake Griffin. If we manage to shut Griffin down, who is the next go to guy for Oklahoma?
Unsung hero tonight – Gibson. He seemed to be around every loose ball. He gave us a great 10 minutes.
Illinois choking. Losing by 12 with 7:19 in the half.
wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Congrats to Zach Gibson he played tough defensively today. I was very impressed. Feel bad for labeling him a panzy earlier this year.
Hey guys, post-game is coming. GREAT game, was really fun. Illinois is looking to ruin a perfect day on my bracket.
Glad you had fun Dylan. Do the post game tomorow! Now isn’t the time for work, it’s time for Beer! Beer! and More Beer!
ok, now, my reservations:
1) peedi didn’t show up today. every time he gets blocked early in the game, he disappears.
2) when we are up 15 with 5 minutes to go, all we have to do to win is get the ball past half court. even if his defense blows…compared to merritt’s being totally overwhelmed by the athletic clemson press in the second half, i just don’t see the downside of giving grady minutes in that situation
but how can i complain when we’re in the top 32 in the national tournament one year after kenpom put us outside of the top 100 teams?
in fact, ignore my complaining
oh yeah, how amazing was gibby? he came in and kept a few KEY possessions alive with the volleyball rebounds! he was actually better on both ends than deshawn today (minus deshawn’s big 3)
I keep thinking about how great this team will be next year. A buch coming back and some new studs coming in. It’s going to be a good year next year too!
We’re in Kansas City — looking to change flights. Does anyone know what time the Oklahoma game is likely to be Saturday?
5:50 Pete.
They have TBD for Michigan. However, the games with determined times are 3:20, 3:35, 5:40 and 5:45. So it’s either 1:xx or 7:xx… I’ll repost as soon as I find it.
Or 5:50. Thanks Dylan! Sorry Pete.
Here is the link to the official game times from CBS – as Dylan said Michigan is at 5:50. The featured game at that time will be UNC-LSU so have the computer ready if you’re not in the MI area.
http://www.cbssports.com/cbssports/story/11509998
I *think* it is 5:50 at least. Michigan and OU are the late games so I would think they would be the late game. The game times in Kansas City are 2:20 and 30minutes after the first game (about 5:50). I’m not sure that it is official yet though.
Holy crud. Some dude from Morgan State just did a judo flip on Griffin. Griffin has hanging on his back and he pulled him over and “put” him on the floor… He was then ejected of course.
Dylan, it’s official that the Memphis/Maryland game is at 3:20 ET, so that means that we are indeed at 5:50. I’m heading down for the game… for those who were there tonight, will it be easy to scalp tickets?
Flowers delivers hundreds of thousands of arrangements. Wonderful post!