For the first 16 minutes on Tuesday night, it didn't look like Michigan wanted to be at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State.

For the first 16 minutes, it didn't look like Michigan wanted any chance at the NCAA tournament.

Penn State came out rolling. They were 15 of 22 from the floor.

Michigan at one point missed nine consecutive shots.

They started 7 of 23. After that, missed nine consecutive shots. They started seven of 23.

After that, Michigan buckled down.

They got back into the game with an 11-0 run to conclude the first half.

The second half, it was a rock fight.

It was a Titanic struggle.

And by no means will this game ever be sent to anyone to try to convince them

to watch the game of basketball? It was a struggle. But ultimately, Michigan executed. They

wanted to be there. They were engaged. Yeah, shots didn't fall, but they ensured that Penn

States wouldn't either. After that blistering start, again, Penn State was

15 of 22. After that, they were 7 of 33. Electric defense, just enough offense, and I mean

just enough. But Michigan found a way. They gritted through this victory.

And ultimately, at this stage of the game, that's what matters. The Wolverines executed down the

stretch. They got the basketball in the hands of their best free throw shooter and Eli Brooks

to deliver the game winners at the free throw line. They were able to

just barely keep Penn State off the board enough. And Hunter Dickinson, a guy who put up

another double double, 19 points, 15 rebounds. It took him 20 shots. He had to grind, but he

found away. This Michigan team over the final 24 minutes on Tuesday showed that they

belonged on Tuesday night. They showed that they still want to be in the NCAA tournament. This by no

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