Instant Recap: a tough ending to an incredible season

4th-seeded Michigan was too much for 5th-seeded Virginia Commonwealth University Saturday afternoon in the 3rd round of the NCAA tournament. After a close start, the Wolverines broke open the game and won 78-53.

March 23, 2013; 3:05 PM • by Aaron Williams

Recap

The Rams kept the game close early, but fouls forced Darius Theus and Juvonte Reddic to the bench which derailed the usually high-octane VCU offense. Michigan’s length gave VCU problems as the Rams missed shot after shot.

Nik Staukus used his length to limit Troy Daniels to 1-9 3-point shooting. The Wolverines played an uncharacteristically good defensive game, and Michigan capitalized almost every time they broke VCU’s press.

The loss ends a successful 2012-13 season and the careers of seniors Darius Theus, Troy Daniels, and David Hinton. The three seniors set VCU records for wins (111), NCAA wins (7), and they were sophomores during VCU’s run to the NCAA Final Four.

Top performer: Mitch McGary

21 points on 10-11 shooting, 14 rebounds

6-foot-10, 250 pound freshman Mitch McGary was too much for VCU in the front court. He dominated the the glass, scored at will in the paint, and even had a few impressive moments in the open court. He finished with career highs in points and rebounds.

He just outworked me tonight. Juvonte Reddic

5 stats

VCU joins Gonzaga, Florida, Kansas, Ohio State, Marquette, Syracuse, and UNC as the only eight teams to win an NCAA tournament game each of the past three seasons.
Michigan out-rebounded VCU 41-24.
VCU scored more first half points against Akron (50) than in the first halves of the Michigan (23) and St. Louis (21) games combined.
53 is the fewest number of points scored against Michigan since 1/30/2013.
Michigan’s starters finished 30-55 (.545) from the field.

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