Wolverines Defeat Cincinnati To Reach NIT Semifinals In Las Vegas
Wolverines Defeat Cincinnati To Reach NIT Semifinals In Las Vegas
The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 78-68 on Tuesday night in the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With the win, the Wolverines advanced to the semifinals, where they will face either the Mississippi State Bulldogs or the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. The Wolverines led by just four points at halftime, 34-30. However, the Wolverines came out firing in the second half, shooting 55.6% from the field and making 7-of-14 three-pointers. The Bearcats were unable to keep pace, and the Wolverines eventually pulled away for the 10-point victory.
Balanced Scoring Attack
The Wolverines were led by a balanced scoring attack, with four players scoring in double figures. Junior guard Eli Brooks led the way with 19 points, while senior forward Isaiah Livers added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore guard Franz Wagner and freshman guard Hunter Dickinson each chipped in 11 points off the bench.
Tough Defense
The Wolverines' defense was also impressive, holding the Bearcats to just 36.8% shooting from the field. The Bearcats were also forced into 15 turnovers. The Wolverines' defense was particularly effective in the second half, holding the Bearcats to just 27.8% shooting from the field.
Head Coach Juwan Howard's Comments
After the game, Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard praised his team's effort and execution. "Our guys came out in the second half and played with a lot of energy and purpose," Howard said. "We were able to get stops on the defensive end and make some big shots on the offensive end. I'm proud of the way our guys competed tonight."
Implications for the Wolverines
The win over the Bearcats is a big one for the Wolverines. It gives them a chance to advance to the NIT championship game and win their first NIT title since 1997. It also gives them a chance to build some momentum heading into next season. The Wolverines will return a talented team next season, led by Brooks, Livers, and Wagner. The win over the Bearcats is a sign that the Wolverines are on the right track.
Conclusion
The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 78-68 on Tuesday night in the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With the win, the Wolverines advanced to the semifinals, where they will face either the Mississippi State Bulldogs or the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.