2021 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16: #1 Michigan defeats #4 Florida State 76-58 (3-28-21)

By: LaMonte Thomas

Headline Photo Courtesy: Indy Star/NCAA

If there is ever a time to miss Isaiah Livers for Michigan, it would be against Florida State, yet they have yet to hit a snag thus far. His 6’7, 230 pound frame would definitely lighten the load of a Florida State team full of size and capable scorers. This game may resemble the flashback to 2018 when these two teams faced off in the elite eight and MIchigan advanced to play Villanova in the championship; except this time Florida State has ACC Freshman of the year Scottie Barnes and five starters who average double figures. 

The battle began as anyone’s game with some tough buckets and aggressive rebounding from both sides. Turnovers began to plague Florida State while the Wolverines saw Mike Smith and Chaundee Brown knock down triples, bringing their lead to 19-8 with 10 minutes left in the first half. Florida State bounced back with a few dunks from a cutting Koprivica and a tough move from Scottie Barnes. Michigan’s Dickinson and Wagner went to work down low, opening their lead back to 11. The Wolverines led the Seminoles 32-21 at the half.

Florida State came out with stifling defense, in the second half, which set the tempo for the rest of the evening. The Seminoles forced a five-second inbound violation on Michigan, yet Franz Wagner responded with a monster block and a pocket-pass assist on the other end for the Maze and blue. Though Scottie Barnes picked up his fourth foul with just over 15 minutes to play, Florida State hit a few threes to cut MIchigan’s lead to 5. Just when the Seminoles were catching a break, MJ Walker landed awkwardly on an ankle and left the game. Michigan coach Juwan Howard and squad smelled blood and went in for the blowout as the lead once got to 23. One highlight to note was Howard’s son and freshman guard for Michigan Jace scored on an and one near the final minute–which sent the entire Wolverine bench into a frenzy. The final score was Michigan 76- Florida State 58. Franz Wagner led the way with 13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.