FootyChatter.com

NCAAM Men's March Madness Advertisement live Updated 50m ago Nate Ament has no decision to announce on the NBA but is talking like someone who knows he won't be back in Knoxville. Asked if his knee might need a procedure, he says, “I'm not sure. ” Will talk with doctors but thinks rest will be enough. Looking ahead to next weekend, here are some notable storylines ahead of Michigan and Arizona's Final Four clash: Michigan matched Tennessee's physicality and then some this afternoon, shutting down the Vols offense. Tennessee shot just 31. 6 percent from the field and 19. 2 percent from 3 with nine turnovers. The Wolverines scored 23 points off those turnovers, also logging eight blocks and six steals. They will need to replicate this performance again when facing the Arizona Wildcats next Saturday. Let's take at Michigan's statistical profile from this afternoon's game: That was the most likely scenario for this game, but here's hoping the second game is a little more compelling. UConn has experience and championship pedigree. Duke is young but certainly more talented. And Jon Scheyer will still want to erase last year's Final Four disaster. You can follow our live coverage of Duke vs. UConn here. This is the third straight year that Tennessee has lost in the Elite Eight. The Volunteers are now 0-4 all-time in this round, still in search of the first Final Four appearance in program history. The Wolverines will face the Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four on Saturday. Michigan has a 2-9 record against Arizona all-time, but this will be their first-ever meeting in the NCAA Tournament. Their most recent meeting came on a neutral court in Las Vegas in November of 2021, with the Wildcats winning 80-62. For fans of deep Cinderella runs and late-round madness, we regret to inform you that we will see No. 1 seeds face off in the final weekend for the third consecutive year (UConn vs. Purdue in the 2024 title game and all four No. 1s reaching last year’s Final Four). For fans of heavyweight showdowns between dominant teams and elite players, can we interest you in Yaxel Lendeborg and Michigan vs. Koa Peat and Arizona? As was the case for most of the second half, the Michigan Wolverines are all smiles in Chicago. Final Four bound! All three of the teams qualified for the Final Four so far — Illinois, Arizona and Michigan — won their first four games in this tournament by double digits. That won't be possible for the Duke-UConn winner. But a lot of teams who have looked dominant this month (and all season) convening in Indy. Michigan reaches its ninth Final Four. In its previous eight appearances, the Wolverines have one title (1989), six runner-up finishes (1965, 1976, 1992, 1993, 2013, 2018) and one third-place finish (1964). As we know, the Wolverines' 1992 and 1993 appearances are unofficial because of NCAA sanctions. But those of us who were in college when the Fab Five played can't forget what they brought to the floor in that era. This comment on our discussion page just about sums up the experience for fans of the Volunteers today. Final - Michigan 95, Tennessee 62 That will do it in Chicago. Michigan is on to the Final Four and will face Arizona in Indy. A strong season for Tennessee ends in disappointment as the Vols get blown out. H2 1: 02 - Michigan 95, Tennessee 62 Charlie May drills a triple and the Michigan bench, along with the crowd in Chicago, goes absolutely nuts. Talk about putting a bow on a sparkling performance. It's worth repeating that Nate Ament has been gutting it out in this tournament on a bum ankle and knee, injuries he said yesterday will require weeks of rest to get back to 100 percent. He just checked out after a brutal day — 2-for-12, 7 points — but that wraps up a tremendous freshman season before he presumably heads for the NBA. A Tennessee staffer said yesterday: "I don't know that I've ever respected a kid more than Nate Ament. Why is he even playing? " H2 2: 16 - Michigan 90, Tennessee 58 Nick Ament has fouled out for Tennessee as both teams empty their respective benches. Charlie May, son of Dusty May, has checked in for Michigan. H2 3: 50 - Michigan 87, Tennessee 56 It's all smiles for the Wolverines as the final seconds tick off the clock. We will indeed be getting that Michigan vs. Arizona matchup. I just hope all these guys are getting good exercise this afternoon and prioritizing their cardiovascular health. It's important. H2 5: 57 - Michigan 83, Tennessee 52 Roddy Gayle Jr. has been really good off the bench for Michigan tonight. He cans a 24-footer and the Wolverines are now up by 31 points again. H2 7: 20 - Michigan 78, Tennessee 52 The finish line is firmly in sight for the Wolverines with less than eight minutes to play, leading by 26 points. It's important for Michigan to finish this game the right way but also avoid injuries in the process while Tennessee is playing for pride.