Random Jinxes Aside, Michigan Survives

With Michigan leading Clemson by 12 with 11:36 to go in the second half of Thursday's first-round game, someone casually asked me, "Hey, do you know what time Michigan will play on Saturday?"

Memo to fans everywhere: That's a cardinal sin. You do not look ahead in March, especially when you're supporting a team that hasn't won an NCAA Tournament game in more than a decade. Sure enough, immediately after that question landed, Clemson made its move. The Tigers used a late 11-0 run to pull within one of Michigan, setting up up a thrilling finish in the South Region.

No. 10 Michigan 62, No. 7 Clemson 59: AP Recap | Box Score | Bracket | Scores

Michigan was still clinging to a one-point lead in the game's final minute, when star guard Manny Harris converted a clutch and-one drive, upping the lead to 61-57. Clemson pulled back within two on a Trevor Booker dunk, then fouled Michigan freshman Zack Novak.at the 13-second mark. His first free throw rolled out, though he nailed the second, giving Clemson one last chance, but K.C. Rivers desperation 3-pointer from the corner fell way short, handing Michigan the dramatic 62-59 win.

I'm not sure what the trade-off generally is, but for this one win, Michigan fans probably sacrificed about a million cumulative years of life -- Michigan turned it over three times and missed five straight field goals while protecting a lead in the final five minutes.

Not surprisingly, there is a lot of pent-up emotion and nervousness when a team like the Wolverines does not get to the dance for 11 years. Michigan, definitely testing its fanbase's tolerance down the stretch, endured two massive stretches without hitting a field goal in the second half -- a seven-minute drought that followed the maize and blue pulling out front by 16, then a nearly six-minute dry spell that let Clemson inch within a basket of the lead.

Still, beggars can't be choosers. The last Michigan NCAA Tournament victory came thanks to the likes of Louis Bullock, Robert "Tractor" Traylor and Jerod Ward. Thursday's upset of Clemson was a big step forward for Michigan's program, even if it took every last second to get the job done.