Duke vs Michigan

I really didn't want this third round game played. The reason is I like both teams. I'm been a Michigan fan forever. When Michigan started having their down years, I started following another team. And that team was the Duke Blue Devils.

I was not a fan of Duke in 1992. I didn't like them at all. Michigan had the Fab Five and I wanted them to win it all. I was disappointed when Michigan came up short again Duke 71-51 in the 1992 National Championship.

What really turned me onto Duke, besides Michigan being in a slump, was Coach Mike Krzyzweski. He can turn any group of players into winners. He always stresses hard work, defense and team work.

Michigan and Duke faced off in the third round Sunday. Watching the game, I cheered for both teams. I complemented both teams when they had great plays and said things like, "horrible pass." Michigan grabbed a Nolan Smith rebound with 8.7 seconds left and drove down the court. Michigan was trailing Duke 73-71. Darius Morris pushed the ball downcourt and shot a jumper in the lane with two seconds left. The ball bounced off the back of the rim and Nolan Smith grabbed the rebound to end the game. I was happy that Duke won and will move on the Sweet 16. I was disappointed that Michigan lost such a close game to Duke and give Coach Krzyzweski his 900th win. Why did they have to be in the same bracket? GRRR!

I hope Michigan can make another run in the tournament next year. They have many players coming back, so all of the pieces are already in place. Duke will lose Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith to graduation. But they have plenty of players returning also. I hope both squads will have great seasons in 2012.


Photo Credit: Associated Press/Bob Leverone