Oklahoma State blocks Michigan shot into oblivion (Video)

Oklahoma State is the lower seed but they’re giving Michigan a run on both ends of the court.

Oklahoma State comes into their game against Michigan as a low seed trying to make noise. Michigan has been one of those popular dark horse picks that “could make a run” if things fall their way. So far things aren’t going their way with Oklahoma State giving them a challenging run in the opening game. They’ve been up most of the first half and Michigan has struggled to get much if anything going on offense. Some of that has come with their inability to get to the rim.

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Michigan can’t get close to the basket without being contested. They can’t move people away from the basket, because they’re struggling to make 3-pointer that will bring rim protectors out. Even when they get offensive boards they’re struggling to score. This one for example got emphatically swatted away from behind. It’s a perfect summary of how the early game has gone for Michigan.

This might not be the most incredible block ever seen, but it’s a great example of what OKST has spent most of the early parts of the game doing. Everytime Michigan has created a chance for themselves it’s been denied. The three-pointer fell short and the layup attempt was sent into the second row. There’s still plenty of time for Michigan to find their offense, but early on this has been the story for them.

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If Oklahoma State can continue to play defense like this for the remainder of the game then they might find themselves in the second round come Sunday. Plays like this are what they’re going to need to do in order to knock off a Michigan team looking to make a deep run. Sometimes all it takes is one block to change the momentum of the game in the other direction.