NCAA Bracket Update, Michigan vs. Tennessee: Wolverines Embarrass Vols, 75-45

Michigan blasted Tennessee in the second half, 42-16, on its way to the most lopsided No. 8-No. 9 game since the NCAA Tournament began seeding teams in 1979, winning 75-45. The Wolverines shot 51 percent from the field while holding the Volunteers to their lowest point total of the season. Additionally, Michigan became the first team in NCAA Tournament history to win a game without making a single free throw (they were 0-for-1).

The Wolverines had five players score in double digits, led by Zach Novak, who totaled 14 points and 10 rebounds.

With the win, Michigan advances to the third round, where it will face the winner of the No. 1 Duke-No. 16 Hampton matchup (so, Duke). For Tennessee, the season is over, and so too may be the Bruce Pearl era. Athletic Director Mike Hamilton is on record as saying that the coach’s contract will be reevaluated after the conclusion of the Volunteers’ season.

Over at our Tennessee blog, Rocky Top Talk, the waiting begins.

Emotions are going to run really hot in Rocky Top for the next few weeks. Every tournament round will serve as a reminder of what just happened this week - from the AD’s statements to the collapse, and now the official beginning of Bruce Pearl Offseason Speculation Season. But at the same time, we are finally at the end of the line. The season is over. The turmoil is over. All we have now is the waiting.