Texas survived in the first round. The Longhorns managed to get a buzzer-beater in their favor in order to get the win over Arizona State. The game was tied in the final seconds when Jonathan Holmes tossed up an air-ball three that landed in the hands of Cameron Ridley for the winning dunk. Can the Longhorns have the same luck twice? Michigan hopes not. Without their resident big man Mitch McGary, the Wolverines are hoping to end Texas' luck.
Texas has been outrebounding opponents by an average of seven boards per game. They are making the inside a priority with McGary out. Texas normally averages 14.9 rebounds per game and will work to their strengths once again.The Longhorns have not advanced to the Sweet 16 since 2008 while Michigan was there last year before losing to eventual champions Louisville.
The Wolverines did not have much problems playing without McGary for most of the season. The center only played eight games after suffering back problems and Michigan still managed to win the Big Ten regular-season title. Nik Stauskas is leading the offense while averaging 17.4 points per game. He will test the Longhorns' perimeter defense while shooting 45 percent from long range.
Michigan's point guard Derrick Walton Jr. will go head-to-head with Texas point guard Isiah Taylor for best freshman on the court. Taylor was crucial in the win over Arizona State, putting up nine points in the first half along with six assists. Walton put up six points and five assists in his first tournament game after averaging 8.1 points per game.
The Longhorns are trying to avoid a let down after the dramatic win over the Sun Devils. If the team can get past Michigan if they eliminate the Wolverines' 3-point shooting as the team averages 8.4 per game while shooting 39 percent overall.
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