KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Shot after shot clanged off the rim, if they hit anything at all. Jumpers, 3-pointers, layups — didn't matter. Clemson just couldn't figure out Michigan's zone defense.
Michigan stymied Clemson with its 1-3-1 defense and survived a late scare in its first NCAA tournament game in 11 years, beating the Tigers 62-59 in the first round of South Regional Thursday night.
The Wolverines (21-13) showed little sign of nerves in their first NCAA game since a booster scandal rocked the program in the 1990s, handling — for the most part — Clemson's frenetic press to move onto the second round. Manny Harris scored 21 points and Stu Douglass added 12 for the Wolverines, who will face Oklahoma or Morgan State on Saturday.
Clemson (23-9) had to dust off its zone offense after facing mostly man coverage during the ACC season.
Comments
Clemson
Fri, 03/20/2009 - 00:08 — LetsGoPittWell, the ACC wasn't going to go 7 and 0 in round one, and I picked Clemson to lose and Maryland to win. I liked Michigan because Beilien(sp?) always coached WVU into the sweet 16 when he was there.
Also, looks for the Zags to get into the Sweet 16 and Texas A&M, my two surprise entrants.
dang
Fri, 03/20/2009 - 00:49 — bstoneazToo bad for Clemson, they needed a confidence builder.
Zags yes, but no way for A&M over UConn.
Oliver Purnell
Thu, 03/19/2009 - 22:42 — JPDOhioHerb lives in the ACC!
I disagree
Thu, 03/19/2009 - 23:11 — gvillegatrMichigan was allowed to play the more aggressive defense than Clemson was. it was extremely evident in the middle half of the game where people tend to forget games can be lost at that point.
I was glad to see the most overrated 3 pt shooter in the country get the heev ho, but it was also evident they. at minimum, needed his ball handling skills after he left.
i've been fooled two times in a row by ClemPson ... the new Gonzaga.
Not this year
Fri, 03/20/2009 - 00:26 — JPDOhioI made the mistake of having Clemson go deep in last year's tourney. Although I did pick them in this one, I had them losing the next one anyway. No matter how good they are, they can't seem to get past the first weekend. Hence, my earlier comment.
did you hear?
Fri, 03/20/2009 - 00:33 — gvillegatrABC cancelled Life On Mars. they will tie up the loose ends though. I kind of gathered this on the previews ending wednesday nights show. cant keep a good show on anymore ...
Thanks a lot.
Fri, 03/20/2009 - 00:39 — JPDOhioJust what I needed to hear before going to bed. Good night. Ugh!