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The UConn Huskies proved to be too much for the Illinois Fighting Illini and the worst possible matchup for Illinois. The Huskies' dynasty prevailed, while the Michigan Wolverines are the final team to stand in the way of Dan Hurley getting another title. Here is my analysis from the Big Ten games in the NCAA Tournament from the Final Four:
UConn's experience proved to be a big factor in this game. Illinois' inability to stop opposing teams in the paint proved to be costly in this match as Tarris Reed Jr. had his way. No matter what Illinois did, it didn't work, and his showing in the first half, along with UConn making their shots, caused Illinois to play catch-up early. Against good teams, you need to be great, and the Illini just made too many costly mistakes. UConn's historic run the last 4 years continues on, and Illinois ' special season ends right in the Final 4.
Head coach Dusty May was so confident in his team vs Arizona, he watched the first game to scout his opponent for Monday's title game. Dusty May and what Michigan has been able to do this season is a fantastic sports story. This team never loses focus, and their performance in the last 5 games shows that. Losing to Purdue in the Big Ten title game was just what this team needed to dominate every team in March Madness. Aday Mara stepped up big time as the star guy in aid of Yaxel Lendeborg, who dealt with an injury. Lendeborg still went back into the game, showing how bad he wants to win, and that was a reflection of how the whole team is wired.
Keaton Wagler had 20 points for Illinois, a game-high, but his squad was still not able to take a lead in this game. Wagler was an abysmal 2-10 from 3. Wagler and the entire team of Illinois put their heart out on the court; unfortunately, it just was not their time. Wagler would benefit from another season to refine his game. He could go from being a top 15 pick to a top pick with another great year.
Aday Mara saved his best game of the season for the biggest game of the season. Mara had his way vs Arizona with his dominant showing of 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Mara was an impressive 11-16 from the field vs Arizona. This game not only propelled Michigan to the title game, but it also will cause Mara's draft stock to rise.
Michigan put on a clinic vs Arizona, even without their star Yaxel Lendeborg at full strength. The Wolverines continue to check all the boxes of a championship-winning basketball team, and their last box to check will come against a college basketball dynasty. Illinois gave the Huskies all they could; they just could not buy a basket. The Huskies were not the best they could be, but they did everything exactly how they were supposed to win. That is where the championship experience comes in.
Michigan now heads to a match-up with UConn in a title game that, for the first time for Michigan, should be a thrilling finish. UConn has the title experience, and when the lights shine bright, they are at their best. Michigan is a freight train, and they have stifled just about every opponent they have faced. Good news for Michigan, Yaxel Lendeborg will be good to go for this matchup. Michigan sits as the favorite right now at 6.5 points, with good reason for how truly dominant they have been. Michigan is in the title game for the third time in the past 13 NCAA Tournaments, going back to 2013. The Big Ten can snap a national championship drought which goes back to 2000, when Michigan State won.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Big Ten basketball winners & losers in Final 4
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No. 2 UConn 71-62 vs No. 3 Illinois
UConn's experience proved to be a big factor in this game. Illinois' inability to stop opposing teams in the paint proved to be costly in this match as Tarris Reed Jr. had his way. No matter what Illinois did, it didn't work, and his showing in the first half, along with UConn making their shots, caused Illinois to play catch-up early. Against good teams, you need to be great, and the Illini just made too many costly mistakes. UConn's historic run the last 4 years continues on, and Illinois ' special season ends right in the Final 4.
No. 1 Michigan 91-73 vs No. 1 Arizona
Head coach Dusty May was so confident in his team vs Arizona, he watched the first game to scout his opponent for Monday's title game. Dusty May and what Michigan has been able to do this season is a fantastic sports story. This team never loses focus, and their performance in the last 5 games shows that. Losing to Purdue in the Big Ten title game was just what this team needed to dominate every team in March Madness. Aday Mara stepped up big time as the star guy in aid of Yaxel Lendeborg, who dealt with an injury. Lendeborg still went back into the game, showing how bad he wants to win, and that was a reflection of how the whole team is wired.
Top performers from Saturday
Keaton Wagler had 20 points for Illinois, a game-high, but his squad was still not able to take a lead in this game. Wagler was an abysmal 2-10 from 3. Wagler and the entire team of Illinois put their heart out on the court; unfortunately, it just was not their time. Wagler would benefit from another season to refine his game. He could go from being a top 15 pick to a top pick with another great year.
Aday Mara saved his best game of the season for the biggest game of the season. Mara had his way vs Arizona with his dominant showing of 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Mara was an impressive 11-16 from the field vs Arizona. This game not only propelled Michigan to the title game, but it also will cause Mara's draft stock to rise.
Overview
Michigan put on a clinic vs Arizona, even without their star Yaxel Lendeborg at full strength. The Wolverines continue to check all the boxes of a championship-winning basketball team, and their last box to check will come against a college basketball dynasty. Illinois gave the Huskies all they could; they just could not buy a basket. The Huskies were not the best they could be, but they did everything exactly how they were supposed to win. That is where the championship experience comes in.
What's next
Michigan now heads to a match-up with UConn in a title game that, for the first time for Michigan, should be a thrilling finish. UConn has the title experience, and when the lights shine bright, they are at their best. Michigan is a freight train, and they have stifled just about every opponent they have faced. Good news for Michigan, Yaxel Lendeborg will be good to go for this matchup. Michigan sits as the favorite right now at 6.5 points, with good reason for how truly dominant they have been. Michigan is in the title game for the third time in the past 13 NCAA Tournaments, going back to 2013. The Big Ten can snap a national championship drought which goes back to 2000, when Michigan State won.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Big Ten basketball winners & losers in Final 4
Continue reading...
