Michigan makes it look easy in Elite Eight rout of Tennessee | Estes
For the third season in a row, Tennessee ends a game shy of the Final Four. And for the second time in a row, it wasn't close, thanks to Michigan.
CHICAGO — Rapid reaction from sixth-seeded Tennessee’s 95-62 loss to No. 1 seed Michigan in a Men’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight game March 29 at United Center: That got out of hand fast Well, Tennessee has been knocked out in the Elite Eight again, and much like last year’s loss to Houston, this was determined before halftime. After grappling through a tense start, Michigan began stretching its legs and flexing its muscles.
When that happened, Tennessee offered no answer. You could call it another instance of the Vols crumbling on a big stage in March, but this was mostly just the Wolverines being that much better. Michigan’s 21-0 run to seize control in the first half was domination.
On both ends, too. The Vols’ offense went 6:11 without scoring, missing 10 field goals in a row at one point. Defensively, Tennessee couldn’t keep Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg from 15 of his game-high 27 points before intermission.
At halftime, Michigan led 48-26 and was shooting 51. 7% (15 of 29) from the field, while Tennessee was at 23. 7% (9 of 38).