Michigan vs Oklahoma St Photo by Brendon Miller
By David Leveridge- Bluegrass Sports Nation Coverage team.
Midwest Region Game #1.
Michigan and Oklahoma State were the first ones to take the court @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Michigan and Oklahoma started the game very tense and nervous as each team was nervous and struggled to score the ball. The game was very interesting to attend and teams would trade baskets in the opening minutes. Either Team was able to get a significant lead. At the half, Michigan was up by 1 point. Michigan 41, Oklahoma State 40. In the end Michigan was able to pull out a 1 point win, in a thrilling game. Michigan 92, Oklahoma State 91.
On March 9, 2017 Michigan was boarding a plane that was destined for the BIG 10 Tourney in Washington, DC. The plane ran off the run way and crashed. Michigan had to catch a relive flight and in the process, their uniforms were left behind. In the opening Round of the Big 10 Michigan was perceived to be out of the NCAA Tournament without winning out and winning the BIG 10 Championship. Michigan went on to win the first game, wearing practice jerseys and ultimately won the BIG 10 Tournament. Michigan entered the NCAA Tournament as a 10 seed playing the seven seed Oklahoma State Cowboys.
In the first half Oklahoma State and Michigan were tied @11 with 12:10 remaining in the half. Oklahoma State got its largest lead of the game with a seven point lead. Michigan was able to counter and cut the lead to 2 points with 5:44 left in the half. Oklahoma State 27, Michigan 25. Michigan was able to force turnovers and played intense defense. Michigan was down 1 with 3:25 left in the half. The game was again @ 38 with 1:47 remaining in the half. Michigan#10 Walton JR hits 2 free throws in the closing seconds, Michigan a 1 point lead at the half.
In the second half Oklahoma State come out hot as they increased the lead to 6 early in the second half. 14:33 was left in the game and Oklahoma had the lead by 6 . Oklahoma State 57- Michigan 51 . Michigan would counter and take the lead by 1 with 12:28 remaining in the game. Michigan 62- Oklahoma State 61. Michigan Walton Jr would hit a 3 giving the Wolverines a lead of 6 with 9:10 remaining in the game, Michigan 70, Oklahoma State 64. Michigan would never relinquish the lead , although Oklahoma State cut the lead to 3 points with 6:27 reaming in the game Michigan76, Oklahoma State 73. With 10 seconds remaining in the game Michigan only had a 2 point lead, and Oklahoma State had the ball with a chance at winning. Oklahoma State turns over the ball, and Michigan connects on 2 free throws. Oklahoma State would score a 3 point basket as time expires but, Michigan would advance with a 1 point victory 92-91.
Stats for the game
Michigan Wolverines 92
#5 DJ Wilson 19 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 4 blocks playing 40 minutes.
#10 Derrick Walton JR. 26 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 turnovers, 1 block, 2 steals playing 39 minutes
#12 Rahkman, Abdur 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 1 steal. Playing 38 minutes
#13, Moritz Wagner 6 points, 3 rebounds, playing 14 minutes
#21 Zak Irvin 16 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal playing 40 minutes
# 22 Duncan Robinson 8 points, 2 rebounds, playing in 19 minutes.
Oklahoma State 91
# 01 Jawun Evans 23 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists, 4 turnovers, playing 36 minutes
#13 Phil forte, 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, playing 34 minutes.
#23 Leyton Hammonds 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, playing in 22 minutes.
# 30 Jeffrey Carroll 19 points, 5 rebounds, 1 turnover, 1 block, playing 35 minutes.
# 41 Mitchell Solomon 8 points, 8 rebounds, 1 turnover, 1 block, 2 steals, playing 32 minutes.
# 12 Cameron Mcgriff 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, playing 7 minutes.
#21 Lindy Waters 3 points, playing 7 minutes.
#24 Davon Dillard 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 turnover playing 19 minutes.