Michigan Basketball: Surging Wolverines Have the Firepower to Crack Final Four

The Michigan Wolverines look unstoppable after completely thrashing VCU in the round of 32. How unstoppable can this underachieving but star-studded team be, though?

A trip to the Final Four looked like a daunting task before the kickoff of the 2013 NCAA tournament. Now, after two blowout wins, the Wolverines have found their stride and are looking more like the team everyone thought they could be and less like the team they became late during the season.

Putting it all together was something that seemingly eluded this team down the stretch, but that seems to be over now as the Wolverines prepare for their Sweet 16 matchup.

Looking at the team’s roster, there really isn’t a weak spot. Their chemistry might be lacking at times, but that doesn’t take away from the individual talent that their bench possesses.

Crazier things have happened in March than a team like the Wolverines making a run for the national championship. That’s especially true with the team fielding several potential future NBA players on the court. They also have John Beilein leading the charge from the sidelines and the unpredictability and streaky nature of March Madness working in their favor.

Getting hot at the right time is sometimes all it takes. Is that what we’re witnessing now? Has something finally awakened the sleeping Wolverines?

Less than a week ago we were wondering if they would fall victim to an upset after being outclassed in the second half of their Big Ten tournament loss to Wisconsin.

That dismal second-half performance displayed their flaws for the world to see. Inconsistency in shot selection, ball movement and struggles on the defensive side of the court led to their second-matchup exit from the tournament.

A fourth seed in the Big Dance wasn’t exactly overwhelming for the Maize and Blue faithful, either.

But now, seeing them focused and commanding on the court, it seems that they have put it all together and are serious about making a run at this thing.

It’s not going to be easy, but if they continue to play their best basketball, there is no one in the South region that can slow them down. Not Kansas, not North Carolina and not Florida.

Then again, Florida Gulf Coast is still alive, so they might want to start worrying about Cinderella, because lightning strikes more than once!

Link to Printable PDF

Link to Live Bracket

Follow all the exciting NCAA Tournament action with March Madness Live