Michigan Bench Shines in Elite Eight Win

0:00On March 28, Michigan men's basketball punched their ticket to the Elite 8 with a solid 90-77 win over Alabama. Senior Wing Ridegale Jr. came off the bench and dropped 16 points on 6 of 10 shooting, hitting 3-4 from beyond the arc. He added three rebounds and two blocks to shut down Alabama shooters. This performance echoes his breakout game a year ago that got Michigan to the sweet 16. Gale mashed his season high for three's made and hit his best block total yet. It was his highest score since facing another SEC squad back on November 25 against Auburn. Coaches and teammates are buzzing about his timely explosions, dubbing him with fun nicknames for these March moments. The bench was the real story though, outscoring Alabama's 33-6. Freshman Trey McKinney lit it up with 17 points on 5 of 7 shooting, bringing energy when starters like Mora's Johnson Jr. and a day. Mara struggled. Dusty may praise the bench guards for stepping up big, noting McKinney's poise and shot making as a rookie.

1:05He expects the front line to bounce back strong after off-night, saying no one has back-to-back bad games. Now Michigan gears up for Sunday afternoon at the United Center against Iowa State or Tennessee winner. Chasing that final 4 spot.