LONG RUN FOR A RUNNER-UP
Larry Keith
March 29, 1976
Whoo-whee," as Michigan Coach Johnny Orr might—and often does—exclaim. Battered first by Adrian Dantley and then bombed by Willie Smith, the undersized, underexposed Wolverines won the Midwest Regional in Louisville by defeating Notre Dame 80-76 and Missouri 95-88. Basketball is a team game and the best team won.
Orr got the kind of balance he enjoys. Green led with 23 points, Robinson had 21, 6'7" freshman Center Phil Hubbard 20 and reserve Guard Dave Baxter 18.
This kind of play will make Michigan a formidable entry in Philadelphia. But then there are three other such entries, two of them unbeaten, the other merely the defending national champion.