You could've watched Michigan play all season and not really noticed Spike Albrecht. I did notice, but I mainly just made fun of him. But throughout the NCAA Tournament, he's been amazing, and he already has three three-pointers tonight.
Michigan vs. Louisville: Spike Albrecht lighting it up
Backup point guard Spike Albrecht is playing the best basketball of his life in the NCAA Tournament.
The unassuming freshman -- 5'11, 170 pounds if his clothes are literally drenched and also he's carrying a few barbells -- was Michigan's backup point guard, meaning he spelled Trey Burke, one of the most important players in college basketball, tried not to screw up, and came out quickly. He didn't look to score much, only attempting 41 shots all year, averaging just 1.8 points per game.
In the NCAA Tournament? He’s been absolutely lights out. He’s hit all eight threes he’s attempted, and has already drilled three looks from beyond the arc tonight, including this heat check:
Hover over the image to make it animate.
When you add a nice finish around the hoop, Albrecht leads all scorers with 11 points in the early going. That’s his career high in points. In the championship game. Yes, this is the Spike Albrecht game.
Michigan's point guards are handling the challenge provided by the tough defense of Peyton Siva and Russ Smith, as Burke and Albrecht -- damn, it's weird to type that -- have combined for 18 points early. They'll need Albrecht to keep going, as Burke already has two fouls.
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