Alabama vs Michigan

Michigan dominated this Fourth Round NCAA Tournament matchup at the United Center, holding off Alabama's late surge to advance 90-77. The Wolverines built a commanding 16-point lead and controlled the pace throughout, weathering a 42-play scoring drought by Alabama in the second half. Despite seven lead changes early, Michigan's defense tightened when it mattered most, forcing the Crimson Tide into critical stretches without points. Alabama made a desperate final-minute push with Labaron Philon Jr. scoring four straight points to cut it to 90-77 with 47 seconds remaining. But Michigan answered emphatically—Roddy Gayle Jr. threw down a dunk off an Elliot Cadeau assist with 57 seconds left to seal it. The No. 1 seed's balanced attack and defensive intensity proved too much for the No. 4 seed to overcome, sending Michigan dancing deeper into March.