Michigan Monday: It's National Title Game Day!

15minutenews.com

This team is unbelievable, they have fought and scratched their way to the National Championship game.   They were clearly the better team on Saturday against Loyola but struggled with their shot for most of the game.   I guess a tiger can't change their spots because Michigan had a huge advantage in the post and continued to shoot the 3 ball unsuccessfully.   Thank goodness for Wagner and Matthews who kept the Wolverines in the game.   Loyola midway through the second half started their turnover streak and Michigan took advantage and won the game. 


Michigan can't play like that tonight and win the National Championship.   The joy and relief of winning the Final 4 game was quickly lessen after Villanova shot Kansas out of the building.  Villanova looked like Michigan in the Texas A&M game and we know that type of streaking shooting can come and go quickly.  Every person on the Villanova can shoot and this game will be the toughest Michigan has had all year. 


If Michigan is going to stay in the game, MAAR and Simpson have to play better then they did against Loyola and Robinson will need to score 16 or more points.   MAAR's shooting is the key for this game, if he struggles again from the field, it could be a long night for the Wolverines. 


Simpson's turnovers and forced shots seemed a bit strange against Loyola.  He will have open looks again tonight and I hope he looks to drive and dish rather then shoot the 3.  I also expect he will run the offense better then he did on Saturday.


One of the hero's from Saturday was Jordan Poole.   He came off the bench and gave the Wolverines a lift on some dribble drive layups and his unlimited swag.   Michigan will again need him tonight and I hope he can impact the game, #belikeSpike tonight!


Michigan is an underdog tonight and should be.  The Wolverines have only shot the ball well once in the tournament and will need to find their range tonight.  It's important they continue their defense and shoot the ball to be competitive in this game.  Villanova is a very good deep team and will score even if they don't shoot like they did on Saturday.   Michigan has to shoot the 3 to be in the game in the 2nd half. 


Michigan also has to have solid performances from every player:


Simpson - Run the offense, play your elite D, limit turnovers
MAAR - Play like a senior, shoot the 3 well, lead the team through the storm
Wagner - Stay hot, get looks in the post, limit your 3 attempts, stay out of foul trouble
Matthews - Be athletic on both sides of the ball, rebound, dribble drives, limit the 3
Robinson - Be confident from 3, don't miss this opportunity, play like there is no tomorrow
Poole - Keep up the swag, play smart, keep everyone up!
Teske - Don't forget your 7 feet on defense!, rebound, get 3 blocks!
Simmons - This is why your transferred! stay in the moment, play smart
Livers & Watson - Play smart, get boards and loose balls


Whatever happens tonight, this has been a great run and it feels so good to have your team play at a championship level.  Coach B and Team you have made your fan base very proud.   Have fun, play with a clear mind, and compete tonight.  We have your back no matter what!  Enjoy the night! 


Coach B is one win short of 800 wins.  I'm just saying!

• Insiders are saying that Ole' Miss has actually responded negatively on the players that transferred being eligible right away.   This is a complete reversal on what Michigan and the lawyer representing the players were expecting.   The expectation was that Ole Miss would stand down due to the NCAA Violations and support the players being eligible with the NCAA.  That didn't happen and now Patterson's eligibility could be in question.   The NCAA has the final verdict and they don't need Mississippi's support, but many believed it was a slam dunk with it. 

from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2018/04/michigan-monday-its-national-title-game.html