Michigan Basketball: Moritz Wagner Saves The Day in Wolverines Win over Texas

By foxsports
Published

Michigan basketball desperately needed a win over Texas Tuesday night and thanks to the late-game heroics of Moritz Wagner, the Wolverines got it.

For much of the second half against Texas, the Michigan basketball team looked liked it was about to collapse and blow a big lead, just like it did against Virginia Tech.

The offense was struggling. Turnovers and missed shots were the norm. Michigan basketball scored 22 points in the second half against Texas. But, 20 would have been enough. They won 53-50.

However, if it wasn’t for some critical plays by Moritz (Mo) Wagner in the closing minute, the result easily would have been different.

First, Wagner drew a foul with just under a minute and made 1/2 free throws to make it a one-point game. Then, on the next possession, he gave Michigan the lead.

Following a missed shot by Zak Irvin, Wagner grabbed an offensive board and scored the put back.

The score was 51-50 in favor Michigan and just 14.1 seconds remained in the game.

Yet Wagner wasn’t done.

The next time down the floor, trailing by one, Texas had a chance to take the lead. Yet, Wagner was having none of it.

The German-born big man, blocked a shot, which gave the ball back to Michigan. From there, the Wolverines hit two free throws, extending the lead to 53-50. The Longhorns got a desperation attempt to tie the game, but it fell woefully short.

Wagner might have saved his best moments for last, but truth be told, he was good all game. The sophomore finished with 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting. He also tallied five rebounds, two steals, two assists and one block.

D.J. Wilson added 13 points for Michigan, while Duncan Robinson had 12. Both finished with two 3-pointers. No other Wolverine reached double figures.

After recent losses to South Carolina and Virginia Tech, UM needed a win. And not against Kennesaw State.

The Wolverines needed a real win, over a real non-conference opponent. Texas provided that chance and even if it was ugly, Michigan was able take advantage.

For that, Michigan basketball and its fans have Mo Wagner to thank.

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