Vanderbilt basketball completes epic NIT comeback, downs Michigan with go-ahead bucket off goaltending call
With a 9-0 run in less than a minute, No. 3 seed Vanderbilt managed to pull off a huge upset over No. 2 seeded Michigan on Saturday in the NIT. At the end of the run, the Commodores sent the Wolverines packing from the tournament by a 1-point margin, 66-65.
The Wolverines gave Vanderbilt an advantage as they turned the ball over in 3 straight possessions, all within the last minute of the game. The Commodores took possession on a foul against Michigan with 12.5 seconds remaining in the game.
The Wolverines failed to capitalize on two different shots, a shot by Dug McDaniel, and a tip-and-miss by Hunter Dickinson, allowing the Commodores to secure the lead. Both McDaniel and Dickinson were under significant pressure to create an offense in the absence of star players wing Jett Howard and guard Kobe Bufkin.
Vanderbilt’s own bench woes and absence of star Liam Robbins didn’t slow down the Commodores. Vandy will head to the next round to face a yet-to-be-determined opponent on Wednesday.
DORES. ON. TOP. pic.twitter.com/DxrRpKBz7M
— Vanderbilt Men's Basketball (@VandyMBB) March 18, 2023
Not goal tending
Congratulations Commodores! In my opinion, you’ve played outstanding all year.
Nice win! Deserve to be in the big dance.
Great win Vandy. Always nice to take down a B1G team.
Good for Vandy!
Vanderbilt was actually the 2 seed and Michigan was the 3 seed. Also, Vanderbilt was favored by 2, so not really an upset.
The goaltending call was because the Michigan center grabbed the net with his right hand. The TV announcers had the same first reaction, that it wasn’t goaltending, but corrected themselves after seeing the right hand on the replay.