The Michigan Wolverines have not been to the Sweet Sixteen in 19 years. Their reward is facing No. 1 seed Kansas on Friday. Kansas has been to five Sweet Sixteen rounds in the past six years. Michigan was ranked No. 1 in the nation for exactly one week before going 6-6 entering into the NCAA tournament. Kansas is coming off a big win against North Carolina. After a week of rest, this could be anyone's game.
Kansas has the most tournament depth on their team. The Jayhawks have four starters that are all seniors with 45 NCAA tournament games under their belts. Kansas ranks first in the nation in field goal percentage defense, holding teams to a 35.7 shooting percentage. Travis Releford is coming off one of his best games against North Carolina where he led Kansas with 22 points. 7-footer Jeff Whithey currently the leading shot blocker in tournament history is also coming off a big game as well with five blocks and 16 points.
Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. will lead Michigan as the only two players on the team's roster with NCAA experience. Burke had a rough opening game in the tournament but Hardaway Jr. and Glenn Robinson III each had 21 points to make up for it. Burke is well on his way to becoming the national player of the year as he leads the Wolverines with 18.8 points and 6.7 assists per game. He also has helped the team lead the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Kansas has a roster filled with potential first-round NBA talent. That could be the difference maker when it comes to the inexperience on Michigan's roster. The Jayhawks are familiar with this situation and their 7-3 road record proves they can handle the challenge away from home.
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