March Madness Day 9, Part 2

Michigan 61, Syracuse 56
We were spoiled tonight, in that we got 2 games that were tight down to the final buzzer. But while the first game had the makings of a classic, the final 3 minutes of this one preclude me from using that label for UM-SU.

Michigan played the first half beautifully. They had a great plan of attack against Syracuse's zone. In the second half, I'm not sure if they went away from the scheme or if Syracuse simply defended it better, but the bottom line is Michigan's offense went cold, which allowed 'Cuse back into the game. Syracuse were able to make up ground thanks to finally exercising their considerable advantage inside against Michigan's frequent 4-guard lineup.

With 4 minutes left, Syracuse started pressing (coming out of their 2-3 zone to do it), and Michigan couldn't handle it. The same team that ran VCU and their full court "Havoc" defense off the court in round 3 was flustered by Syracuse's press. When they were able to beat the press, they simply held the ball and hoped the clock would wind down, rather than keep running their offense. It was not a 4-minute stretch of basketball that glorified Michigan.

Syracuse didn't get a single break from the officials down the stretch, and that plus inability to hit from downtown (3/14 on the night), kept them from ever taking the lead, allowing Michigan to hold on by the skin of their teeth, despite their lack of offense and terrible free throw shooting in the last couple of minutes.

After one half I was convinced Louisville-Michigan would be a fun, entertaining final game. After the last 4 minutes of this one, I'm not sure Michigan can hang with Louisville.