Last year, Michigan opened their NCAA tournament run by falling into 10-0 hole against a 14-seed. That 14-seed was the Montana Grizzlies, who the Wolverines open with tonight at 9:20 EST on TNT. Four minutes in, the Grizzlies found themselves up 10 but would never lead again after going into the half down by three. This is a team filled with guys who know they can compete with Michigan for stretches. Take them seriously.
The Griz come in with a KenPom rating of 137 and a NET rating of 124. This puts them near the bottom of the field but ask the Dukes and Virginia of year’s past how much that matters.