Michigan Beats Alabama 90-77 In Sweet 16 Of NCAA Tournament

Michigan was the heavy favorite in this Sweet 16 game with Alabama. The Crimson Tide were dangerous because they take, and sometimes make, a bunch of three-pointers. However, Michigan was just too athletic, and they won this game 90-77.

Alabama gave Michigan a good game. Michigan had been beating opponents by about 30 points. However, in this game, Alabama used the three-point shot to keep it close. Many commentators have said the three-point shot is the great equalizer in basketball, giving weaker teams a chance to win. Do you think this is the case?

Michigan and Alabama Scoring Summary

This game was back and forth in the first half. Alabama jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the game by effectively using the three-point shot. However, Michigan evened the score at 14 at 13:30 of the first half on a free throw. However, for the rest of the first half, it seemed like every time Michigan scored, Alabama went right down the court and hit a three-pointer.

Using the long ball, Alabama was able to score enough points to stay in the lead for a while. Michigan took the lead at 40-38. They used a barrage of made three-point baskets to pull away a bit. But then Alabama went on an 8-0 run. They led at halftime 49-47.

The beginning of the second half saw the Wolverines take the lead, but Alabama came right back. Then Michigan pulled away to take a 70-60 lead. They did so by hitting back-to-back three-point shots with 12:51 and 12:28 left to play. That was the point at which Michigan took control of this game. You have to give it to Alabama, they were in this game, using the three-pointer, for almost 30 minutes.

Player Of the Game

The player of the game was the Wolverines ‘ All-Big Ten first team player, Yaxel Lendeborg. The game was played very fast, and that pace suited him. Elliot Cadeau got in foul trouble at about two minutes left in the first half. Lendeborg had to play point guard. As athletic as he is, the pace of this game suited him well. For the game, he had 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. That is the first time he had 10-10-5 in a game, but he is a triple-double waiting to happen.

Turning Point

The turning point of this game was the back-to-back three-pointers the Wolverines hit with 12:51 and 12:28 left in the game. That increased the lead to 10 points for the Wolverines. After that point, the Wolverines pulled away, and it was clear that momentum was with the University of Michigan. However, given Alabama’s propensity to score points quickly, there is no lead that is safe for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Michigan won this game against Alabama to reach the Elite Eight by a score of 90-77. The story of three game was the frenetic pace and Alabama’s ability to hit three-pointers. The player of this game was Lendeborg. He scored 12 big first-half points and was able to run up and down the court in this game.

Parting Spots

An observation from this game is that it was played at a breakneck pace. That made it hard for the seven-foot-three Aday Mara to dominate like usual.