No. 4 Michigan sustained a Syracuse comeback in the second half to beat the Orange 61-56 advancing to the Championship Game against Louisville Monday night.
Wolverine big man Mitch McGary once again proved to be a huge difference with 10 points and 12 boards especially fueling Michigan in the offensive paint. Five of those 12 boards for McGary came on the offensive side of the ball contributing to the Wolverines’ 20 total offensive rebounds.
There was some talk of controversy though towards the end of the game as Syracuse’s Brandon Triche was called for a charge on Michigan’s Jordan Morgan in the final minute. The call ended up giving Michigan possession and forced Triche out of the game but it seemed like it was less close than the broadcast was letting on.
Sure it was close but Morgan looked to have his feet planted just in time to get the call in his favor.
Nonetheless Syracuse certainly had their chances after this as Michigan failed to be successful from the free throw line late. But the Wolverines were able to hold on as a result of the Orange losing Triche and Michael Carter Williams who both fouled out. Relying on freshman Trevor Cooney, the Orange couldn’t convert the three while Michigan took advantage to force a turnover in the final seconds to seal the game with a dunk on the other end.
