Michigan Completes Incredible Comeback to Defeat Kansas

Trey Burke’s clutch three from way beyond the arc sent the game to overtime, where Michigan emerged with the win. (Greg Nelson)

The University of Michigan's men's basketball team has always had a large contingent of doubters. People said they can't win the big game. Even Wolverine fans I know have told me that this team just isn't good enough. Their pessimism loomed large over a team with high expectations on the line.

Michigan struggled at times in Big Ten play. They split the regular season series with their rivals Ohio State and Michigan State and were swept by Wisconsin and Indiana. They lost five of their last 10 games to close the regular season, including a Big Ten quarterfinal loss to Wisconsin. This made the Wolverines a trendy upset pick heading into the NCAA tournament.

No. 4 Michigan opened their NCAA tournament with a relatively easy 71-56 win over No. 13 South Dakota State. They were set to play VCU with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line. Expert after expert explained why the Rams' havoc defense would force the Wolverines into countless turnovers and poor shots. However, this Michigan team didn't get the memo as they throttled VCU 78-53.

Surely a Sweet Sixteen matchup with No. 1 seed Kansas would prove to be too much for Michigan. This sure seemed to be the case as the Jayhawks looked to have the victory virtually locked up as the game reached the final minutes. They led by 10 points with the ball and only two and a half minutes remaining in regulation. All Kansas needed to do was run clock, avoid turnovers and sink its free throws to advance to the Elite Eight.

Instead, the Jayhawks squandered that lead with a plethora of turnovers and blown defensive assignments. Ultimately, Elijah Johnson missed the front end of a one-and-one to give the Wolverines a chance to complete their miraculous comeback with three to send the game to overtime.

Michigan put the ball into the hands of their leader Trey Burke. He had to put all of the missed shots at the end of games he had throughout his collegiate career. It didn't matter that he hadn't scored a point during the entire first half of this game. All Burke needed to do was to find a way to make a clutch three-pointer. If he did not, his team's season would come to a close right here.

With the seconds ticking away, Burke came around a Mitch McGary screen and had just enough space to launch and bury a 25- foot bomb with five seconds left. In the overtime period, Burke and the Wolverines did just enough to hold on for an improbable 87-85 win.

Burke's heroics sends Michigan to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1994. Those were the days of the Fab Five, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King and Jalen Rose. This Wolverines team is beginning to remind folks a lot of that team. Not only are they young like that team was, but the find ways to win just like the Fab Five did twenty years ago.

Fans of the Maize and Blue are beginning to hope that this team can accomplish one thing the Fab Five were unable to do. That is win a national title for Michigan. Following the improbable victory they earned tonight, anything seems possible if you simply believe it can happen.

Florida Gulf Coast Faces Tough Test Against Florida

Florida Gulf Coast University became the first No. 15 seed ever to reach the Sweet Sixteen. (Scott McIntyre)

Florida Gulf Coast University's first graduating class received their diplomas in 2001. Their enrollment is currently about 12,000 students. This is the Eagles' second year in NCAA Division I. They are playing in their first NCAA tournament ever. The University of Florida has about 50,000 students. They have won two national titles (2006 and 2007) and played in four Final Fours. The Gators are one of only four teams to make their third-straight appearance in the Round of 16 this year. They have reached the Elite Eight in four of the last seven seasons.

On Friday night, these two Sunshine State sides meet in an unlikely Sweet Sixteen matchup. If David ever met Goliath on the basketball court, this has to be it. An unheralded Florida Gulf Coast team under the direction of Andy Enfield meet up with one of the country's most established programs in Florida and future Hall of Fame coach Billy Donovan.

Florida Gulf Coast won't be intimated despite the significant statistical matchup they face. They have already slain two Goliaths to get this far. They shocked the nation by upsetting No. 2 Georgetown, 78-68. The Eagles then made history by defeating No. 7 San Diego State, 81-71, to become the first No. 15 seed to ever reach the Round of 16.

These two sides not only contrast in their experience, but they play completely different styles as well. Florida Gulf Coast plays an up-tempo brand of basketball that has earned them the nickname “Dunk City,” due to their frequent aerodynamic displays. Conversely, Florida boasts one of the nation's best defenses. They rank second in scoring defense, allowing just 53.8 points per game. The Gators have held four opponents to 40 points or fewer and 13 to less than 50 points.

Florida Gulf Coast's dynamic offense runs through Brett Comer. He is an assist machine and makes those around him better. The Eagles' leading scorer is Sherwood Brown, averaging 15.6 points per game. Bernard Thompson has scored 23 points in both of the Eagles’ tournament wins. Chase Fieler has been on the receiving end of many of his teammate's famous lobs.

Florida has a balanced offense with four players averaging in double figures. Statistically, they are led by Erik Murphy and Mike Rosario. The Gators love to open up their offense and let it rain from deep. They led the SEC with 8.4 3-pointers made per game and a .382 field goal percentage. The Eagles must try to limit those opportunities as much as possible.

Cinderella hopes the clock doesn't strike midnight yet on a magical tournament run. She will have to dance and lob her way around the big bully on the neighborhood block if she has any hope of surviving this prime time fight in the national spotlight.