Michigan basketball: How far can Wolverines go in March Madness without Isaiah Livers?
Michigan basketball faces a much tougher road in the NCAA Tournament without star wing Isaiah Livers, who suffered a foot injury in the Big Ten tournament.
No team wants to face what Michigan basketball is facing going into the NCAA Tournament: A major injury to a key starter.
All-Big Ten second-team selection Isaiah Livers is out indefinitely with a right foot injury, giving the Wolverines something extra to worry about as they approach the most critical weeks of the season.
Related Story. Blank printable March Madness bracket. light
Michigan lost in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals to Ohio State without Livers, though they gave the Buckeyes a late scare. Trailing 63-50 with four minutes left, the Wolverines launched a furious comeback, ultimately falling by one point.
There is a silver lining from that loss. Michigan showed exactly the kind of fight they’ll need to make it through the tournament. A kinder rim was the difference between winning and losing in the final seconds.
Michigan basketball’s recent slump won’t be helped by losing Isaiah Livers
Unfortunately, silver linings appear because of clouds in the sky. There are plenty of those raining on the Wolverines right now.
Michigan could still get a No. 1 seed, but losing three of their last five games show how vulnerable the team is right now. Losing Livers, who was a captain and second among Wolverines with 13.1 points per game while adding six rebounds and two assists per game, will make it that much harder to break out of the slump.
Livers was the main man for Michigan from 3-point distance, so they will need someone to step up and provide a threat from range. Wake Forest transfer Chaundee Brown is third on the team in three-pointers made this season. He could be the guy to rely on.
Meanwhile, Hunter Dickinson and Franz Wagner will have extra pressure on their shoulders, needing to carry the team as a duo instead of a trio.
Despite the injury to Livers, the Wolverines can still hope to push for the Final Four. They’ll have the built-in advantages of being a highly-ranked seed. More than anything, they need to find their feet quickly before the tough battles begin.
Next. Zion and the 20 best one-and-done's. dark
For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.