As black and gold confetti rained down in Chicago, the University of Michigan Men’s Basketball found themselves with a feeling that they weren’t used to feeling. The feeling of losing.
Coming off a loss to Purdue University on March 15, the Michigan’s men’s basketball team, in one of their best years in school history with a record of 31-3, have been given the third overall one-seed, meaning that the selection committee sees them as one of the top teams in the country.
Shortly after the game, Selection Sunday occurred. For basketball fans across the country, Selection Sunday is one of the most nerveracking days of the year. It is the day when the top teams in collegiate basketball are selected and seeded for the NCAA Tournament, more commonly known across the country as “March Madness”.
Along with Duke University, Michigan opened as the betting favorite to win March Madness. However, the team has had some struggles recently that could hold them back.
After starting the season 25-1 and being ranked number one by the Associated Press, they fell to the 24-2 Duke Blue Devils on Feb. 21. This game was seen by many as a possible National Championship Game preview, where the Wolverines struggled to score often and stop some of Duke’s top players, including Cameron Boozer. When facing top teams in this tournament, it will be imperative that they find ways to knock down some more baskets.
Along with the struggle against Duke, the Wolverines faced a loss in Chicago against Purdue after taking down Ohio State University and Wisconsin University on March 13 and 14. One of the reasons the Wolverines struggled in Chicago was the loss of a key player, L.J. Cason to a torn ACL a few weeks prior. Cason provided some nice depth for the team, and brought an energy whenever he was on the floor. Without him, the rest of the team has to step up and fill his role.
As Michigan aims for a National Championship during the March Madness tournament, the main factor for them will be the play of their guards. If guards Elliot Cadeau, Nimari Burnett and Trey McKinney play well, don’t be surprised if the Wolverines return home with a banner to hang. Their first game in the NCAA tournament takes place later today, March 19, in Buffalo, NY, against Howard University.
The women’s team for Michigan has also done extremely well this season. They were given a two seed in the Women’s NCAA Tournament, which is the highest seed they have ever been given.
The team heads into the tournament with a record of 25-6 led by star guards Olivia Olson and Syla Swords. Michigan has been close to taking down some top teams like UConn, Vanderbilt University and UCLA, but ultimately weren’t able to grind out the win in the final minutes. However, as the season has progressed, Michigan has notched some quality wins over teams like Ohio State and Maryland. This makes them more proven against top teams, which will be key for the tournament, with their first game happening on this Friday, March 20, in Ann Arbor, MI, against the College of Holy Cross.
Hopefully for the Michigan faithful, maize and blue confetti will rain down in Indianapolis, where the championship game is being held. Many fans will be wondering if either of Michigan’s basketball teams will win it all and cut down the championship nets.
