- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 375,677
- Reaction score
- 43
Michigan basketball returns to the NCAA tournament after a two-year absence from March Madness when it takes on 12th-seeded UC San Diego tonight (10 p.m., TBS). The Wolverines are a 5-seed, their best seed since earning a 1-seed in 2021.
Still, the 5-12 upset is a popular pick, with at least one 12-seed moving on to the second round in 33 of the 39 seasons since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. That’s far from a lock, as 5-seeds still have a 101-55 record in their openers — a .647 winning percentage — but it’s far from the tossup of an 8/9 matchup (in which the 9-seeds have actually won 51.9% of the first-round games).
UNDERDOGS BARK: Michigan basketball’s stars well-versed in the Cinderella end of March Madness
So, will the Wolverines join the list of 5-seeds to falter in their NCAA tourney opener (following, most recently, Saint Mary’s and Wisconsin, which fell to Grand Canyon and James Madison, respectively, in last year’s tourney)?
Three Free Press sports writers have some thoughts on that:
Michigan is an astounding 11-1 in its past 12 games decided by two possessions or fewer, a testament to its ability to remain poised in key moments and execute in the clutch. UCSD has the longest winning streak of any team in the nation and is a tough matchup stylistically but doesn't have quite enough size to hang with U-M. The Tritons put a scare in the Wolverines, but as they've done all year, they simply find a way to survive and advance. Look for a big game from Wolf. The pick: U-M 75, UC San Diego 69.
The Tritons have a few things going for them. They have the country’s longest active winning streak (15 games), they’re 12-2 on the road and 5-0 at neutral sites. But the NCAA tournament isn’t just any neutral site, and winning a debut game against a tough Michigan team that has a coach with Final Four experience will be too much. But watch out for hot scorer Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones and guard Hayden Gray’s sticky defense. The pick: U-M 74, UC San Diego 67.
CARLOS MONARREZ: Michigan basketball should be worried about losing to UC San Diego in March Madness opener
Yeah, yeah, the Tritons are a popular pick to upset. They make 3-pointers. They force turnovers. The Wolverines rarely need forcing to turn it over. But the Wolverines have won a dozen close games and rediscovered their grit in Indianapolis. They found something. They aren't looking to lose it so quickly. The pick: U-M 74, UC San Diego 65.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan basketball March Madness predictions vs. UC San Diego
Continue reading...
Still, the 5-12 upset is a popular pick, with at least one 12-seed moving on to the second round in 33 of the 39 seasons since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. That’s far from a lock, as 5-seeds still have a 101-55 record in their openers — a .647 winning percentage — but it’s far from the tossup of an 8/9 matchup (in which the 9-seeds have actually won 51.9% of the first-round games).
You must be registered for see images
UNDERDOGS BARK: Michigan basketball’s stars well-versed in the Cinderella end of March Madness
So, will the Wolverines join the list of 5-seeds to falter in their NCAA tourney opener (following, most recently, Saint Mary’s and Wisconsin, which fell to Grand Canyon and James Madison, respectively, in last year’s tourney)?
Three Free Press sports writers have some thoughts on that:
Tony Garcia
Michigan is an astounding 11-1 in its past 12 games decided by two possessions or fewer, a testament to its ability to remain poised in key moments and execute in the clutch. UCSD has the longest winning streak of any team in the nation and is a tough matchup stylistically but doesn't have quite enough size to hang with U-M. The Tritons put a scare in the Wolverines, but as they've done all year, they simply find a way to survive and advance. Look for a big game from Wolf. The pick: U-M 75, UC San Diego 69.
Carlos Monarrez
The Tritons have a few things going for them. They have the country’s longest active winning streak (15 games), they’re 12-2 on the road and 5-0 at neutral sites. But the NCAA tournament isn’t just any neutral site, and winning a debut game against a tough Michigan team that has a coach with Final Four experience will be too much. But watch out for hot scorer Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones and guard Hayden Gray’s sticky defense. The pick: U-M 74, UC San Diego 67.
You must be registered for see images attach
CARLOS MONARREZ: Michigan basketball should be worried about losing to UC San Diego in March Madness opener
Shawn Windsor
Yeah, yeah, the Tritons are a popular pick to upset. They make 3-pointers. They force turnovers. The Wolverines rarely need forcing to turn it over. But the Wolverines have won a dozen close games and rediscovered their grit in Indianapolis. They found something. They aren't looking to lose it so quickly. The pick: U-M 74, UC San Diego 65.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan basketball March Madness predictions vs. UC San Diego
Continue reading...
