Nik Stauskas threw a pass off the backboard to himself to set up a three-point shot (Loop)
Coming into this season, Michigan guard Nik Stauskas was out to prove that he was more than just a shooter. He did that and then some by winning Big Ten Player of the Year and he is proving it again in Friday night’s Sweet 16 matchup with Tennessee.
[NCAA tournament: Full bracket | Check out Instant Reactions | Buy team gear]
The Wolverines were already leading the Vols by four points late in the first half when Stauskas lost his dribble near the top of the key. With the defense closing in on him, Stauskas alertly pivoted toward the basket and fired the ball off the back board and back to himself NBA Street style.
After receiving his own pass, he quickly dished the ball over to freshman Derrick Walton Jr., who was open in the right corner beyond the three-point line.
Walton launched a three-pointer and was fouled by Antonio Barton. Walton then made all three of his free throws to extend the Michigan lead to 29-22.
Building off Stauskas' heady play, the Wolverines built up a 45-34 halftime lead in Indianapolis and eventually came out on top 73-71. Stauskas finished with 14 points.
Check out more NCAA tournament coverage on Yahoo Sports:
