2016 Big Ten Conference Tournament – Michigan’s Last Second Three Drowns Out Top Ranked Indiana 72-69 Final

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INDIANAPOLIS | IN – 48 seconds left on the clock and Michigan had previously been 0-10 from the three point arch, you would think Indiana would be able to continue to control. Michigan’s Duncan Robinson knocked down a game tying three pointer. Indiana Freshman Forward OG Anunoby turns the ball over with 20 seconds left, leading to the Michigan buzzer beating three that sealed the Hoosiers fate. Michigan just 24 hours previously, pulled out an overtime win against Northwestern to play top ranked Indiana.

Something unusual happened after Chatman hit the game winning shot, Coach Tom Crean stormed off the court and headed straight through the tunnel to the locker room. The officials review the game and realize there was still 0.2 seconds left on the clock. Coach Crean was ushered quickly back to the court before the game went final.

Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year Tom Crean said in his post game press conference,

“We did a better job in the second half even though we didn’t shoot it. And looking at the statistics, we didn’t shoot it well enough comparatively to the way we usually do”.

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

He was exactly right, specifically from the three point arch where Indiana has thrived, shooting over 40% from three against Big Ten opponents. In this game, Indiana shot just 23%, especially in the second half a season low of 17% (1-7). Indiana had four players in double digit points with Third Team All-Big Ten Junior Forward Troy Williams leading the team with 16.  Senior Guard and Second Team All-Big Ten Yogi Ferrell finished with 14 points.

The Hoosiers were flat from the start of the game and came out shooting poorly. They were unable to execute the streaking offensive provided by the three. Turnovers were a huge factor in Indiana’s lack of success, giving Michigan 22 points off turnovers (15 Indiana T/O). Indiana has improved tremendously in the past two months eliminating turnovers and controlling the ball. While Ferrell and Williams were still in shock at the post game press conference, Williams saying,

“It’s rough. It’s not our coverage. It’s not how we defend. It’s not how we practice. We don’t practice coming off shooters in the corner. But it’s tough. Like coach said, Chatman’s three hurt, but it was more Robinson’s three”

Sophomore Gaurd Kameron Chatman coming into this game had only averaged 2.8 PPG and 15 minutes of playing time. Chatman only playing 8 minutes in this one, ended up becoming the hero that Michigan so desperately needed. As the Wolverines are looking to keep their hopes alive for a NCAA Bid to the Tournament, Chatman said after the game,

“…I told myself that I was going to be ready to shoot it. But I didn’t think Derrick was going to pass it to me, and he ended up passing it to me. And I hesitated a little bit, but then seeing how much time was on the clock… I just let it go.”

Michigan will now take on Purdue at 1PM ET Saturday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. 

As for Indiana, they will await their fate in March until Selection Sunday begins starting at the conclusion of all the conference championship games. I have Indiana now locked to become a #4 seed in the Tournament hoping to be placed in the Midwest Bracket which would send them to Oklahoma City then Chicago. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology has Indiana sitting at #4 in the South Bracket starting in Providence, down previously from #3 seed just 24 hours prior.

Reporting live from the 2016 Big Ten Conference Tournament with continuing coverage @IndianaTalks or @JMalyWIUX.

Written by Jordan Maly