Michigan Basketball: Michigan vs. Iowa -- Thoughts on the game and "The Dance".
Michigan started out like gangbusters with the first bucket of the game and never looked back, never trailing Iowa. DeShawn Sims took control of the game right from the get-go with 14 straight pointsn. He was unstoppable early on and gave Michigan a comfortable lead.
This was the type of game that Michigan fans wanted to see start off the Big Ten tournament. A game, that by halftime had fans dancing in the streets knowing that Michigan would make it to the "Big Dance" for the first time in a very long time.
Michigan had a commanding 40-19 lead by the half. They were 15-22 (68%) from the field, 5-10 (50%) from the 3-point range, and 5-5 (100%) from the free throw line.
The second half did not show any major cooling off with 14-27 (52%) field goal shooting, 5-12 (42%) 3s, and 0-0 from the free throw line.
In the second half Michigan was able to use their bench to get some players more minutes than they probably would have at this time and also gave the key players some extra rest, which is important in a tournament setting where they could play four games in four days. Final score 73-45. Next up -- Illinois. The biggest question now is, does this Michigan team let up or will they bring the same intensity and hunger against Illinois?
Michigan vs. Iowa Video Highlights: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1155394229/bctid16423190001
Game stats:
Manny Harris - 18 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.
DeShawn Sims - 27 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals.
Stu Douglass - 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assist, 1 steal, 1 block.
Manny Harris - 18 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.
DeShawn Sims - 27 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals.
Stu Douglass - 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assist, 1 steal, 1 block.
Michigan's with a RPI of 42, strength of schedule of 10, and a power ranking of 33 is almost guaranteed NCAA tournament spot now, no matter what people say about having to win two games in the Big Ten Tournament. People need to remember this Big Ten is a very good conference this year with a notably difficult non-conference schedules.
Michigan's last appearance in the NCAA tournament was in 1995 due in large part to NCAA sanctions. Therefore, it has been a long time coming and the sun is rising on Michigan basketball, not only for this year, but for the future of Michigan basketball. Congratulations to Coaching Beilein, the entire staff, and the players -- you all deserve it. We, the fans, celebrate your hard-earned, and well-deserved, success, with you.
Joe Lunardi (ESPN) thought Michigan was in after the win against Minnesota. He did say that they would have been back on the bubble with a loss to Iowa, but would likely get in. At least now, we do not have to worry about it.
Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some dancing to do!
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Written by ErocWolverine
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