NIT Champs!

Michigan won the NIT Championship last night with a win over Rutgers. In a very close game they won 62-55. It isn't the NCAA tournament but it is still a championship. Michigan played well all tournament and deserved to win this championship. Michigan opened the game with a lead of 41-29 before Quincy Douby's only basket of the game started a 15-2 Rutgers' run that nudged the Scarlet Knights in front briefly. Rutgers got back into the game by full-court pressing Michigan. Michigan looked like they were going to fall behind because Rutgers' full-court press kept making them turn the ball over. Tommy Amaker kept them calm and patient and Michigan stayed in the game. Michigan stopped turning the ball over and pulled off a 9-0 run to seal the victory. Dion Harris had 13 points in this game. Daniel Horton added 14 points and was the tournament MVP. Michigan's last NIT Championship was in 1997 but that was stripped because of self-imposed sanctions. This was the first time Michigan was in a tournament since 2000. Michigan used their return to add another championship. Even though it was just a NIT Championship it is a huge one for the Michigan program. They weren't even supposed to be allowed to play in the post season this year,but a rare decision by the NCAA last September to grant the school's appeal of sanctions and made Michigan eligible for postseason play. A huge reason for Michigan's success has been Tommy Amaker. He has been doing a incredible job at Michigan. Since he has been here Michigan's victory total has gone up each year(11,18,23). This victory helps Michigan's program move into the right direction. Now Michigan has some momentum going into next season. They also should be even better next year,because 4/5 of their starters will be back next year. Michigan finished the season 23-11. I can't wait till next season after this incredible one.