In a year where Cinderella stories are few and far between, another hopeful saw their dreams dashed on Saturday. The Michigan Wolverines, the top seed in the Midwest Region, showcased their dominance by defeating the No. 9 seed Saint Louis Billikens with a decisive 95-72 victory. This win propels Michigan into the regional semifinals, maintaining their impressive season record of 33-3, including a 19-1 run in the Big Ten.
Michigan's starting lineup was firing on all cylinders, with each player hitting double digits in scoring. Senior forward Yaxel Lendeborg led the charge, racking up 25 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting.
The Wolverines controlled the boards, out-rebounding Saint Louis 42-27, and their defense was formidable, achieving a season-high nine blocks. Aday Mara, the towering 7-foot-3 center, contributed four of those blocks, anchoring the defense with authority.
This result spells the end for another mid-major team in the NCAA Tournament, leaving just a few Cinderella stories clinging to hope. The Utah State Aggies, VCU Rams, and High Point Panthers are the last of the underdogs, though projections suggest their fairy tales might soon conclude.
Michigan's triumph is another nod to the favorites, continuing a trend noted by college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman. On Friday, favorites went undefeated, and Michigan's win keeps that momentum rolling. This mirrors last season's narrative, where power conferences dominated the Sweet 16, with the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 taking 15 of the 16 spots.
While upsets are the heartbeat of March Madness, the new era of NIL deals and the transfer portal might be shifting the balance of power. This consolidation at the top might disappoint those who thrive on the chaos, but it promises more competitive matchups in the later rounds. Last year's Final Four and championship games were nail-biters, decided by a mere 11 points in total.
Saint Louis' exit is another setback for mid-majors, who are feeling the squeeze in the evolving college sports landscape. As the weekend progresses, it wouldn't be surprising to see power conferences tighten their grip on the Sweet 16.
The clock might be ticking on Cinderella stories in March Madness. This year's batch is already teetering on the edge of midnight.