Michigan was part of a laugher, while Texas got a serious scare as both big state schools advanced to the round of thirty two to kick off a busy Friday of NCAA tournament action. Michigan blew out Tennessee 74-45 in an 8-9 matchup that talent-wise should have been a much better game. However, with the Tennessee program under fire and Bruce Pearl probably on his was out, the Vols just folded today.
It was the most lopsided 8-9 matchup in tournament history. Although the most amazing stat from that game is that Michigan won by 30 despite not hitting a single free throw. They’re the first to ever win a game without a free throw. Tennessee scored just 16 points in the second half.
Next up for the Wolverines is a matchup with #1 seed Duke, assuming the Blue Devils can handle their business against Hampton…
Texas looked like they were going to cruise with a 15 point lead in the final five minutes, but 13-seed Oakland went on a furious run to get to game to within five in the final minute. However, Texas hit their foul shots and held on for a 85-81 win. J’Covan Brown scored 21 points for the Longhorns, while Oakland’s Reggie Hamilton lead all scorers with 25.
Texas next plays the winner of the Arizona/Memphis game.