Wolverines basketball downs Wildcats
11/24/2012NEW YORK — Tim Hardaway, Jr., brought the ball up the court, then dribbled between his legs and headed to the left. Then he flashed back to his right, rose up, and knocked down a midrange jumper.
The crowd at Madison Square Garden gasped at the crossover, which was reminiscent of his famous father's most memorable move. Michigan fans jumped up and cheered. Kansas State coach Bruce Weber called timeout, but it didn't work.
Hardaway scored 23 points to power No. 4 Michigan to a 71-57 victory over the Wildcats in the final of the NIT Season Tipoff on Friday night.
Glenn Robinson III had 12 rebounds, and Trey Burke and Jon Horford had 10 points apiece for the Wolverines.
Hardaway made 10 of 15 shots from the field before he was kneed in the head with less than four minutes left. He returned to the bench in time to celebrate with the rest of his team and collect the tournament MVP award.
"This is what he works for. He works hard at not just being a shooter but to have an in-between game, be a rebounder," Michigan coach John Beilein said. "The biggest thing is his work ethic. That just doesn't happen. He's got great DNA, but DNA doesn't get you there alone."
Hardaway wasn't available to talk to reporters, but Michigan trainer John DoRosario said the junior passed his concussion tests and was cleared to fly home. The Wolverines' next game is Tuesday against No. 16 North Carolina State.