With One Bank Shot, so Ends the Wolverines' Tournament Hopes

Photo Credit: CBS Sports

Wednesday night, Crisler Arena, Underdog Michigan Wolverines look to upset the #12 Wisconsin Badgers. Huge game for Michigan's tournament chances. With a win, I predicted the Wolverines to make the dance. Not just because of this win, but I felt if they won this one they'd beat Minnesota and possibly beat Michigan State at home.

Michigan played one it's best games all year against the favored Badgers. Good enough to win on most nights. An even game throughout, Michigan had a 31-30 edge at half time and kept on fighting in the second half, even when they went cold late in the second half, they fought back and took the lead.

Michigan had a two point lead with very little time left. They had the opportunity to go to the free throw line after a defensive stop. There was no time left on the shot clock. Darius Morris had a 1 and 1 situation, a potential four point lead in his hands. But unfortunately for the young superstar, he missed the front end.

On the ensuing possession, Michigan opted to use all it's fouls it had to give, a wise move, leaving Wisconsin 6.9 seconds left and the ball down two. What happened next was the unthinkable...

They inbound the ball to Jordan Taylor, who then gets a screen from Josh Gasser. Stu Douglas, who was guarding Gasser, opts to double Taylor, leaving Gasser wide open. Instead of hedging and rolling back to his man (which he was supposed to do) Stu stayed to force a double team.

Gasser was able to get into a position to receive a pass from Taylor, and heaved up a prayer... his prayer was answer as he banked, yes banked, in the game-winning three. An absolute dagger to the gut of any Wolverine fan.

But what does this do to Michigan's tournament chances? Damn near kills them. Yes, this win wasn't expected, but if they got it they'd be golden. But now let's look at what they need...

Michigan needs to beat Minnesota AND Michigan State. Not one or the other, both. Then, Michigan needs to impress people in the Big Ten Tournament. No one and done, no beating of a scrub in the first round then losing. They need an impressive win in the B10 tournament if they want to go dancing in the big one.

Quite frankly I don't think they can do it. They'll beat Minnesota but they will lose to MSU. MSU is playing too good and too hungry now. And frankly, I don't see them winning more than one game in the B10 tournament either.

Sorry Michigan fans, this season is NIT bound, but chin up, because the NIT is a whole lot better than anyone predicted, including myself.