The Michigan Wolverines have reached the final of the NCAA Big Ten Tournament for the second time in a row. The German Moritz Wagner became the match winner.
In the semi-final of the Big Ten Conference, the previously fourth-placed Wolverines (13-5) were light outsiders against Top Seed Michigan State (16-2), but a clear 75:64 at the end paved the way for Wagner’s team. The decisive factor was a clear increase in performance in the second half, which was won with 49:35.
Wagner was the main protagonist of this performance increase: In the first half, he had not been able to achieve anything in the field with 0/7, but after changing sides he turned up. Especially from downtown the Big Man was much more accurate and scored 4 of his 7 triples in the second 20 minutes. At the end he became top scorer of his colours with 15 points (8 rebounds).
I’ve often talked to our coach about it:”It’s better to be a big man who can throw than a shooter who’s just tall,”said the native Berliner to Sporting News:”Versatility can be your best friend, but it can also be your enemy. You can do a few things well, but then suddenly certain things get really bad. But our coach trusts me, and that pays off.”
Head coach John Beilein explained after the game that he motivated Wagner to have more throws in the half-time break “I told him:’ Hey Mo, can you maybe hit a throw? Right now, you’re kind of stinking in here. Can you do that?’ And he just said to me with a smile:’ Sure Coach, I think it’s okay.'”