(Photo: Robin Buckson, Detroit News)
Des Moines, Iowa — Lots of sweat, but ultimately, no sweat. With Sweet 16 berths in the balance, Michigan and Michigan State did what they do. They slapped on the defense and mercilessly slapped down opponents.
These were absolute plunders, and the Wolverines (30-6) and Spartans (30-6) stayed in lockstep, providing further evidence they have the ingredients for lengthy jaunts through the NCAA Tournament. You know how you can tell? Because when tension is heavy and mistakes are aplenty, they still have multiple means to succeed.
Michigan gave Florida all sorts of open 3-pointers early, then gave up virtually nothing the rest of the way, slamming the Gators 64-49 Saturday.