Quick thoughts on Michigan’s 74-69 win:
how did that happen: Things were grim for Indiana in the first 27 minutes and more of the Big Ten opening Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Hoosiers, desperate for a win to keep their NCAA championship hopes alive, trailed Michigan 60-43 with 12:52 to play. In previous seasons, Indiana quietly folded and disappeared.
But this Indiana team, despite its struggles in finishing games, did not wither. And when the Hoosiers started to get their stops and gain confidence as the match went on, Michigan became hesitant. By 9:56, Indiana was 10 minutes away on a dunk by Trayce Jackson-Davis. Indiana at one point had a Miller Kopp 3 pointer with 6:13 to play at 62-61. With the Wolverines continuing to perform offensively thanks to a stellar defense from IU, momentum continued to move toward Indiana.
The Hoosiers grabbed the lead in two free throws from Jackson-Davis with 5:39 to play. Michigan last advanced in the afternoon with a pair of Eli Brooks free throws with 4:37 to play. Unlike most games where he couldn’t finish this season, Indiana has played like the most confident and well-formed team throughout this season. In an unlikely fashion, Indiana erased a 17-point lead in the second half to claim its 19th win of the season, an important victory for its NCAA Championship prospects. The win would advance the Hoosiers to the Big Ten quarterfinals, where they will face top-seeded Illinois on Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET.
Outstanding performance: Trayce Jackson-Davis finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and four shots in 36 minutes. Xavier Johnson added 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 27 minutes.
Notable stats: Michigan scored just 28 points in the second half, scored only eight field goals and scored 10 turnovers. Wolverines missed 15 of the last 17 shots.
IU’s final individual statistics:
Ultimate stats free of tempo:
View postgame recall assembly game:
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