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NCAA Tournament 2018: 5 reasons Michigan can win National Championship

By Connor Muldowney

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: Moritz Wagner
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: Moritz Wagner /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Aundre Jackson #24 of the Loyola Ramblers is defended by Duncan Robinson #22 of the Michigan Wolverines in the second half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Loyola Ramblers 69-57. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MARCH 31: Aundre Jackson #24 of the Loyola Ramblers is defended by Duncan Robinson #22 of the Michigan Wolverines in the second half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Loyola Ramblers 69-57. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

2. Defense is elite

Before the season, the Wolverines’ defense was a major question mark. This team lost some key pieces such as DJ Wilson and Derrick Walton Jr. from a season ago and the defense also seemed to take a hit with their departures.

There were some quality pieces returning, but Michigan seemed like a more offensive-oriented team with Kentucky-transfer Charles Matthews becoming eligible, Mo Wagner, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Duncan Robinson and some incoming freshmen, but their defense has been a pleasant surprise.

John Beilein’s team prides itself on the defense and that was evident when the players were angry at the All-Big Ten defensive team snubs. That’s the sign of a selfless team with guys who play for one another and don’t care about stats, but rather wins.

The Wolverines allow 62.9 points per game which is the eighth-best mark in college basketball this season and they’ve only given up over 70 once in this year’s tournament. Villanova scores at a high rate, but the Wildcats may have met their match in the Wolverines’ elite defense.

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