Michigan basketball: Jordan Poole’s buzzer-beater sends Wolverines to Sweet 16

It was another struggle for the Michigan basketball team and their tournament run would have come to an end if not for Jordan Poole’s buzzer beater.

Two days after starting slowly in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Montana, the Michigan Wolverines‘ offense took some time to wake up again against Houston in round two. Things never got flowing like the Wolverines had going in their run to a Big Ten Tournament championship.

Both Michigan and Houston were solid defensively mixed with some officiating that left both sides less than happy. Add it up and it was a game that was hard to watch and not just because it looked like Michigan would let some opportunities slip away and see their season come to an end.

After a couple Michigan chances at close range rimmed out, Houston’s Devin Davis was sent to the line with less than four seconds left on the clock and the Cougars up two. Davis had made nine of his first ten free throw attempts but missed the pair to give Michigan another chance.

Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman received the inbound pass, took a couple dribbles to half court and passed to Jordan Poole for the do or die shot. Poole did.

And with that, the Wolverines are heading back to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row and the fourth time in the last six seasons.

There was some fun to be had as the team and coaches regrouped in the locker room following the win. John Beilein was ready for the water assault, bringing a couple bottles of his own and protection in the form of a pancho and goggles.

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The win sends Michigan on to the West Regional semifinal at Staples Center in Los Angeles where they will play either North Carolina or Texas A&M on Thursday. The Tar Heels and Aggies will meet in a second round game on Sunday.