Michigan basketball thrives in close game situations

The Michigan basketball team is known for playing many close games, often with surprising success. After their latest win over UC San Diego, the Wolverines improved their record to 13-4 in games decided by four points or fewer. This statistic has raised doubts among fans and analysts. Despite having 26 wins, the NCAA Tournament selection committee gave Michigan a No. 5 seed. In comparison, Wisconsin, which they defeated twice this season, received a higher No. 3 seed. While Wisconsin ranked better in some metrics, many wonder if on-court results should weigh more. Critics worry about Michigan's ability to win in crucial moments. They have narrowly escaped defeats in several games. For instance, they would have lost games against teams like Rutgers and Penn State without key late plays. These narrow escapes have led to skepticism about their overall strength. However, there’s a possibility that Michigan’s frequent tight games have made them better closers. They recently showcased this skill when they rallied to win in the Big Ten semifinals and executed clutch free throws in the title game. This raises an important question: Are they just lucky, or are they a strong team when it counts? With their ability to pull off wins in challenging situations, perhaps it's time to give Michigan more credit as they move deeper into the tournament.