Trey Burke Wills Michigan to Sweet 16 Victory over Kansas

If there was any debate about who deserves to take home the Wooden Award, sophomore point guard Trey Burke appeared to end it by willing the Michigan Wolverines back from 14-point deficit to take down the Kansas Jayhawks 87-85 in overtime in the South region semifinals.

Burke struggled with his shot early in the game, but caught fire in the closing minutes. The Big Ten Player of the Year scored eight points, including the game-tying three-pointer, in the final 1:16 of regulation to send the game to overtime.

The Columbus, Ohio native extended his hot streak into the extra session by scoring Michigan's first five points. Burke finished the game with 23 points and 10 assists.

Freshman power forward Mitch McGary turned in yet another career night for the fourth-seeded Wolverines, in his toughest test to date. McGary made 12-of-17 shots for 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to help Michigan stun the top-seeded Jayhawks. 

The Wolverines were able to overcome Kansas' barrage of points in the paint by forcing 13 turnovers and contesting shots late in the contest. Grabbing 11 offensive rebounds also helped Michigan escape.

Head coach John Beilein and co. have the Wolverines back in the Elite Eight for the first time since 1994, which is a testament to how far the program has come under his watch.

Michigan now awaits the winner of the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs. Florida Gators matchup. 

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