INDIANAPOLIS — This was supposed to be the night Michigan needed Isaiah Livers. At least, one might have thought so.
The top-seeded Wolverines had the good fortune to draw two early-round opponents for whom defense was often optional. Florida State gives no such luxury. The Seminoles are one of few teams in the country with the size and discipline to tackle Michigan’s frontcourt. And the absence of Livers—the senior forward and 43% three-point shooter, reported out for the rest of the tournament shortly after Sunday’s game tipped—has meant no offensive failsafe for his team.