Michigan’s March Magic: Wolverines Rally Past Texas A&M to Reach Sweet 16
For much of the second half, Michigan found itself trailing No. 4 seed Texas A&M, at times by as many as 10 points. But when it mattered most, the fifth-seeded Wolverines took control, storming back to claim a 91-79 victory in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Roddy Gayle Jr. played a pivotal role in Michigan’s comeback, giving the Wolverines their first lead of the second half with a pair of free throws at the 6:08 mark, putting them ahead 71-70. That moment shifted the momentum, allowing Michigan to take control after the Aggies had dictated much of the game.
Texas A&M had the upper hand early, taking a 39-35 lead into halftime despite a scoreless first half from All-SEC guard Wade Taylor IV. The Aggies built a 10-point cushion at 60-50 with 13:17 to go, seemingly in control. However, Michigan methodically chipped away at the deficit, eventually securing the lead for good.
Vladislav Goldin dominated the post, finishing with 23 points and 11 rebounds. His impact was especially crucial in the final stretch, where he tallied nine points in the last 5:50. Meanwhile, Gayle was the driving force offensively, leading all Wolverines with 26 points off the bench, including a 4-for-6 performance from beyond the arc.
Texas A&M’s Pharrel Payne delivered an impressive effort off the bench, matching Gayle’s output with 26 points. He surpassed his previous career high of 25, set just two days earlier in the first-round win over Yale. However, the Aggies struggled with their shooting efficiency, connecting on just 38% of their field goals, 25.9% from three, and 69.2% from the free-throw line.
Taylor’s second-half resurgence wasn’t enough to lift Texas A&M, as he finished with 14 points but shot just 4-of-15 from the field, including 1-of-8 from three.
With the win, Michigan advances to the Sweet 16 for the sixth time in the last eight tournaments. The Wolverines will now face top-seeded Auburn, which secured its spot with an 82-70 victory over No. 9 seed Creighton.
