Wolverines lose to Duke, 73-71

3/20/2011
BY JOHN AKERS
SPECIAL TO THE BLADE

Duke forward Mason Plumlee loses the ball as Michigan forward Evan Smotrycz (23) knocks it away.
Duke forward Mason Plumlee loses the ball as Michigan forward Evan Smotrycz (23) knocks it away.
Michigan mounted a furious rally that fell short in a 73-71 loss to defending national champion Duke on Sunday, eliminating the Wolverines after their second game of the NCAA Tournament.

Tim Hardaway Jr. made the Wolverines' final three of baskets – including a 3-pointer and a jumper in the game's final two minutes – to pull to within 70-69 of the Blue Devils. Kyrie Irving scored to give Duke a 72-69 lead. Following a timeout, Michigan's Darius Morris scored on a drive with 10 seconds remaining to pull to within 72-71. Duke's Nolan Smith was fouled on the inbounds pass and made one of two free throws. That gave Michigan one last shot, and Morris drove the length of the court and missed a shot that would have sent the game into overtime.

Duke's Smith scored 17 of his 24 points in the secodn half. Morris led Michigan with 16 points and six assists, and Hardaway added 15 points.