85 Expansion - The Big10 On Top
Dusty May is here to stay at Michigan, and the Wolverines look like they will not have another championship drought of 37 years. Although Michigan led from the 3:06 mark in the 1st half till the end, UConn never let them pull away. Even with under 2 minutes remaining, you had to think “Can UConn really do this again?” And you know Dusty May was thinking that too. But the Blue held tough and stand on top of the college basketball world. It’s weird to think about Michigan as a team you’d like to see get on top for once, being a major conference team. But a 37 year gap is quite the stretch without a win. It is also a great win for the Big10, having their first champion since Michigan State won in 2000, despite 4 runner ups in that stretch (Michigan being 2 of those 4) and countless dominant teams in the regular season. Michigan gets their One Shining Moment and can celebrate fully knowing their coach isn’t jumping ship any day soon.
To me, the play of the game was clear. With 2:06 on the clock, a turnover from Michigan gave UConn a fast break for a layup. With the score 62-56, UConn had a chance to cut the lead to just 4 points with 2 minutes remaining. But Michigan hustled back and blocked the layup of Solo Ball, swinging the ball out for the outlet pass back to the Wolverine’s basket that resulted in a rare 3 point field goal for Michigan. A 5 point swing in just 12 seconds, and instead of a 4 point game we had a 9 point game.
The other huge moment down the stretch was with 29 seconds left, Michigan missed two free throws, giving UConn a chance to cut the 67 - 63 point deficit in half, if not a one point game. But Alex Karaban was short on a 3 pointer that took away the last real chance of a comeback. Karaban was going for a 3 time Men’s NCAA Champion, a feat that has not been accomplished since the UCLA dynasties in the 1970s.
The game was physical, one that can be called an “ugly” game in a positive way. Holding Michigan to 69 points is a huge win for UConn. But when the Huskies went 0-11 from 3 for a stretch, it’s hard to beat the top team that way. UConn showed a never-quit attitude, but Michigan is the one on top after a historically dominant season.
David Rivers, Mike Okoren, Jim Spanarkel, Jim Boylan, Bobby Hurley, Danny Hurley, Jim Brennan. Who on this list has the greatest impact on Jersey City and New Jersey Basketball can be heavily debated. Today, Jim has the edge of Danny for sure. With a whopping 140 points, he runs away with the championship title and has his name in the Winner’s Circle for the 85 Expansion Bracket Challenge. Darcy goes on an all-time run herself in second. And Will… well sometimes it’s better to be right once than 32 times, Michigan bailed him out for sure.
The Clousers can’t repeat on top this year, as Florida shit the bed more so than baby boy Clouser who was born Sunday March 22nd at 10AM. I would think the pain of the loss can thankfully be overshadowed by the adorable new family member. If only the Gators were as tough as Katherine, who Jonathan did state was a champ.
Chris talks a big game for 7th place, but I have no idea where I am in his pool and I’d imagine it’s somewhere at the bottom like I am here. At least I beat out my fellow Iona Gaels for a consolation prize.
Cameron unfortunately did not have an NIT bracket here as his Auburn Tigers did win out the Not-In-Tournament, but hopefully his loyalty can help him out next year in redemption for the basketball team and his bracket.
Thank you all for playing along for another great year. I’ll see what upgrades I can make for next year but until next March… Go Cats.
Rory F Beglane
Founder of the 85 Expansion Bracket Challenge - www.85expansion.com
Villanova Enthusiast
0 Time Bracket Winner
2 Time Always March Winner