Michigan’s Wagner has historic night
SAN ANTONIO — Moe Wagner started running and couldn’t stop. The sideline was quickly approaching, and the elevated court was about to disappear.
Michigan’s star chased the pass he deflected and barreled toward Bill Raftery and Grant Hill, smashing the former coach’s glasses and splitting the broadcasters before landing awkwardly and safely on the carpet below.
He looked back and smiled then casually walked back and high-fived the TBS crew.
Just 1:18 remained in the national semifinal game, and the Wolverines led by 10.
Winning the game wasn’t enough. He needed every play. With No. 3 Michigan facing a 10-point second-half deficit, the junior from Germany produced one of the most dominant performances in Final Four history, leading the Wolverines to a 69-57 win over No. 11 Loyola Chicago, behind his 24 points and career-high 15 rebounds.
Wagner became the third player with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in the national semifinals, joining Larry Bird and Hakeem Olajuwon. He made 10-of-16 shots — including three 3-pointers — with three steals, in 36 minutes.
“Wow,” said Wagner, upon learning his place beside the Hall of Famers. “I honestly just tried to do my job.”
While most of his teammates shrunk on the massive stage, Moritz soaked up every second, alternating from a bulldozer to Baryshnikov, with each possession.
Wagner shattered the slipper, shredded the dress and destroyed the carriage, removing all remnants of the latest upset Loyola Chicago nearly orchestrated.
The 6-foot-11 forward matched the energy of the pro-Ramblers crowd, continually waving his arms to the seats, as the Wolverines inched back.
He tied the game at 47 on a 3-pointer with 6:54 left. He threw a one-handed, backdoor pass for an assist. He grabbed an offensive rebound and put it home, flexing his muscles before he headed to the line to complete the three-point play and cap a 12-0 run, finishing with 14 points in the final seven minutes.
“He’s a special kid,” coach John Beilein said. “I’ve been coaching him for a long time. He’s going to go in that special category with a few other guys, who are probably wondering who they are. He’s one of them.”
Back in 2013, Wagner was in his living room in Germany, watching Beilein lead the Wolverines to the national title game. Five years later, he left the Alamodome court and hugged his parents, who flew in from his home country, the reason Michigan is back there again.
“I watched this my entire childhood, this Final Four here, and I knew him from the final game,” Wagner said. “It’s kind of crazy now we’re in it together.”