At the conclusion of the Oregon vs Michigan game, here’s what the updated 2017 NCAA Tournament bracket looks like.
It wasn’t pretty to start, but for the Oregon Ducks, the only thing that matters is the win and that’s exactly what they got. Michigan fought hard against the Ducks in the Midwest Region’s Sweet 16 battle, but it was ultimately Oregon’s scrappy play and resilient attitude that led it to the victory.
The game began as one of the coldest shooting nights for each team as both were 11-for-28 at one points. Then, the Ducks and Wolverines both got hot late in the second half and it ended in a 69-68 win for Oregon which was nearly a one-point win for Michigan.
In fact, Derrick Walton Jr. had the ball in the final seconds and took a Kemba Walker-like step-back jumper to win the game for Michigan, but it hit the front of the rim and the Wolverines’ improbable run ended abruptly.
RELATED: Updated 2017 NCAA Tournament bracket
For Oregon, this is its second straight trip to the Elite Eight, but the Ducks are hoping to advance one step further, playing on Saturday night.
Here’s the updated 2017 NCAA Tournament bracket after the first Sweet 16 game:
Facing the winner of the Purdue vs. Kansas game won’t be an easy task for an Oregon team that’s down Chris Boucher for the remainder of the postseason, but the Ducks have come this far. If they can beat either of the other Midwest Region semifinalists, they will be a tough team to slow down, momentum-wise, in the Final Four.
Tyler Dorsey and Jordan Bell each had big games for the Ducks, combining for 36 points. Though Bell’s 13 rebounds were big in the late stretches of the game.
Unfortunately, Michigan is forced to head home, knowing that Walton Jr. played his last game in a Michigan uniform. This team is young, though, and will be back next year even stronger.