Michigan vs Alabama: High Stakes in Chicago

0:00On March 27, Michigan heads back to Chicago's United Center for a sweet 16-clash against Alabama in the Midwest region. The top-seated Wolverines, with a 33 wins and three losses record, face the four-seated Crimson Tide on Friday. In the other semifinal, second-seated Iowa State takes on Tennessee. The Wolverines lost the Big Ten title game to Purdue at this same arena two weeks ago, but they bounced back with blowout wins over Howard and St. Louis to reach this point. They're one victory away from setting a program record for most wins in a season, and Coach Dusty May says his team is mentally sharp and focused. Alabama advanced after crushing Texas Tech, marking their fourth straight sweet 16. They've been without star guard Aiden Holloway, due to a suspension, but Coach Nate Oats is committed to the program, with contract extension talks. Underway. He brushed off rumors linking him to other jobs like North Carolina. Iowa State Coach T.J. Oatslberger also shut down speculation about leaving,

1:02calling himself a cyclone for the long haul after three sweet 16s in, five years. Star-forward. Joshua Jefferson remains a game-time decision with a sprained ankle, having missed the win over Kentucky. Michigan forward. Yaxel Lindoborg, last year's Big Ten player of the year, has extra motivation after Alabama showed limited interest when he hit the. Transfer portal. Both games promise high stakes as these teams push toward the Elite 8.