INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — Not many teams have been as successful in the Tournament as Michigan (22-4) in recent years. Entering Monday, they have the most tournament wins in the nation since 2013. They would reach the Sweet 16 for the 4th consecutive tournament with a win, a feat they have never accomplished.
Early on, it seemed like LSU (19-10) had the upper hand. They jumped out to an 8 to 2 start and were knocking down shots at a high rate in the 1st half. However, Michigan kept hanging around, eventually claiming a 1 point lead at halftime. After a back-and-forth second half, they took the lead on a Hunter Dickinson layup and never looked back. Clutch stops down the stretch led Michigan to an 86-78 victory to advance to the Sweet 16.
Without Isaiah Livers (foot injury), Michigan has had to look to others to pick up the scoring role. On Monday, Eli Brooks stepped up into that role; he scored 21 points on 7 of 11 shooting. He also finished with 7 assists and 4 rebounds as he played a key role on offense. He said after the game his shot feels as good as ever.
“I mean, it’s just been comfortable. My shot is feeling as good as it has all year. Coaches always say next shot mentality, take the shots when you’re open. That’s what I’ve been doing,” said Brooks.
Michigan Overcomes Elite Night from Thomas
To overcome LSU, Michigan had to find an answer for Cameron Thomas. The freshman guard was brilliant, especially in the first half as LSU controlled the game. Of his game-high 30 points, 19 of those came in the first half. He and the LSU shooters had great success early hitting contested jumpers from deep and floaters in the lane. Javonte Smart was a handful, scoring 27 points while grabbing 9 rebounds.
In response, Michigan provided stronger help defense when Thomas entered the lane. At times, that meant center Hunter Dickinson coming all the way off his man when Thomas caught the ball. It worked, limiting Thomas to just 3 of 10 shooting in the second half.
To counter the scoring, Michigan also benefited from a dominant scoring night from Chaundee Brown Jr. The transfer from Wake Forest scored his career-high in a Michigan uniform, matching Eli Brooks with 21 points. He was 1 of 4 Wolverines to score in double-figures as the Michigan offense came alive.
Carrying the Big Ten Torch
Coming into the tournament, the Big Ten was thought of as the toughest conference in the country. When the bracket came out, 9 of the 14 conference teams found themselves in the field. It seemed inevitable that at least one team would make the Final Four with Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa all earning 1 or 2 seeds.
However, Michigan stands alone now. Illinois fell to Loyola Chicago on Sunday while Iowa fell to Oregon on Monday. After the Maryland loss to Alabama on Monday night, Michigan remains as the last Big Ten team alive in the tournament. Brooks was asked about the Big Ten’s struggles in the tournament, and he chalked it up to the madness of the tournament.
“I mean, it’s March Madness for a reason. You’re going to get the best shot of everybody. I don’t think the Big Ten — I still think the Big Ten is a really good conference. We just had some losses,” said Brooks.
Up Next
No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 Florida State, Sunday, March 28, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
