Michigan Saluted by CBB Fans After Surviving San Diego's Upset Bid in March Madness

The No. 5 seed Michigan Wolverines saw its 15-point second-half lead evaporate before bearing down to defeat the No. 12 seed UC San Diego Tritons 68-65 in NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament first round action on Thursday in Denver.

Michigan led 42-27 early in the second half before UC San Diego stormed back thanks to Tyler McGhie (25 points, nine rebounds) and Nordin Kapic (13 second-half points). McGhie's jumper with 2:29 remaining gave UC San Diego its first lead of the game at 65-63.

However, that lasted just 16 seconds, as Tre Donaldson responded with a three-pointer to put Michigan up 66-65.

UC San Diego had two possessions to take the lead but could not convert. Then Michigan big man Vladislav Goldin made a pair of free throws after a clutch offensive rebound, putting the Wolverines up 68-65 with 20 seconds left.

McGhie then launched a three-point attempt with four seconds left for the tie, but it did not connect, ending the potential upset.

And with that, the Big Ten champions survived and advanced, continuing a trend of close wins.

Needless to say, fans were taken for a ride in this one, with some praising the squad for another gritty and close victory, this time against a team that had won 15 straight games.

Michigan will now play No. 4 seed Texas A&M on Saturday in the second round.