Des Moines, Iowa — It’s no secret what has helped Michigan and Florida get this far.
Defense, defense and some more defense.
The two teams are among the stingiest in the nation and rank in the top 25 in scoring defense, with the Wolverines checking in at No. 2 at 58.6 points and the Gators not far behind at No. 21 at 63.6 points.
They rank in the top 15 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency metric, with Michigan surrendering 0.860 points per possession (No. 2) and Florida allowing 0.920 points per possession (No. 14).