The showdown between Michigan and Duke in the Final Four was every bit the battle we anticipated, with both squads grinding it out in a low-scoring affair. Michigan's shooting woes were front and center, as they managed just 40 percent from the field.
Their struggles were particularly evident beyond the arc, where they hit only 24 percent of their 3-point attempts. While some might jest about the switch to a different Nike basketball come March, it's clear the Wolverines need to find their rhythm with the new ball.
But the real story wasn't just about missed shots. Michigan's downfall came in the paint.
Aday Mara and Morez Johnson found themselves in foul trouble early on, limiting Mara to just 22 minutes of play. Despite his perfect shooting and 10-point contribution, his limited time on the court was a significant factor.
Duke capitalized on this, edging out Michigan in the 2-point percentage battle, 57 to 54 percent, and dominating the paint with more points and second-chance opportunities. The Blue Devils snagged 12 offensive rebounds, controlling over 30 percent of their missed shots, while Michigan managed just over 20 percent.
In essence, Duke flipped the script on Michigan, executing the kind of game plan the Wolverines have used to topple 25 other teams this season. Michigan's offense never found its groove, and their defense couldn't compensate.
Looking ahead, Michigan faces a team with similar strengths in Illinois. With size and shooting prowess akin to Duke, Illinois presents another formidable challenge. Coach Dusty May emphasized the lessons to be learned from this defeat, but the question remains: Can Michigan match Duke's physicality if they meet again in March?
The Wolverines need to be prepared. Saturday night was a wake-up call.