Ohio State 69, Michigan 68: U-M falls on last-second 3-pointer

Angelique S. Chengelis / The Detroit News

Indianapolis — Shocked. Amazed. Stunned.

With 2.2 seconds remaining in Michigan’s Big Ten quarterfinal game against top-seeded and fifth-ranked Ohio State on Friday, the Wolverines appeared on their way to advancing and continuing their hopes of reaching the NCAA Tournament.

That’s when Evan Turner, the favorite for national player of the year, stepped in and stepped up.

Turner launched a desperation 37-foot shot that he released with 0.2 seconds on the clock to lift the Buckeyes to a 69-68 victory at Conseco Fieldhouse.

“I had time to shoot the ball,” Turner said. “I felt like I was in the gym by myself.”

Michigan’s season is over, barring an invitation to the NIT, which is not likely. The Wolverines finished 15-17 in coach John Beilein’s third season.

But the Wolverines, who trailed by as many as 13 in the second half, appeared on their way to a stunning upset. Stu Douglass’ 3-pointer with just more than a minute left tied the game at 64, and after Turner missed a layup, Manny Harris gave Michigan the lead, 66-64, with 29 seconds left. That lead was short-lived, as David Lighty tied it with 13 seconds remaining.

Harris, who finished with a game-high 26 points, made what appeared to be the game-winner with 2.2 seconds left.

“It was the prettiest shot I had seen in a long time,” DeShawn Sims said of Harris’ basket. “Everybody is saying it was a great shot, even greater than the half-court shot, but the half-court shot won.”

The half-court shot did win.

After a timeout, Lighty, who was not defended, got the in-bounds pass to Turner. Douglass put his right hand up to defend, but Turner was able to release a solid shot.

“I don’t think Evan Turner is going to hit a half-court shot better than anybody else is going to hit a half-court shot,” Beilein said, discussing his defense on the play. “We wanted to limit that type of opportunity, so we matched it up in a zone. I actually was worried about Stu fouling him, because Stu went right through his hands. He actually shot it through Stu’s hands a little bit.

“So whether we were man or zone, I don’t think it made a difference. If you try and put two guys on Evan or you try to deny him by throwing over the top, then he even can get closer. So it’s six of mine, half dozen of the other. A half-court shot is a half-court shot.

“If it was in quarter-court, there’s a whole different defense you’re going to play. But when you’ve got to make a half-court shot, it’s a lot different.”

Turner did not look rushed when he took the shot.

“It was a great play, it was a good shot, and we had a little bit of luck,” Turner said. “I was just trying to get the ball up, and get enough shooting range and keep my follow-through, and it went in.”

Even after the shot had fallen, Douglass stood with his right arm still raised.

“I wanted someone to tell me it actually didn’t go in,” Douglass said. “It almost seemed like it dropped in, like it was a 10-foot floater. I was expecting it to hit the backboard or go right or left, and all I saw was it go over my head and on line and just straight in.”

Beilein said he tried to participate in the review of the play but was not involved. There was some discussion after the game that there might have been a slight delay in the start of the clock after Turner got the ball for the final play.

“I tried to be a part of (the review), but they wouldn’t let me be a part of that,” Beilein said. “I was in my coaching box. It’s a whole other issue for another day, but I heard the buzzer go off when the ball was in the air, so I assumed everything was good.

“So it’s unfortunate, but I don’t think there was going to be any replay or anything that was going to make a difference. I haven’t looked at it, but I usually trust that those officials are paid a lot of money, and they’re going to make the right call.”

Sims, in likely his final game as a Wolverine, had a strong start to the game and scored 16 points and had six rebounds. Douglass also scored 16 and was absolutely vital in the Wolverines’ comeback effort, making 4-of-6 3-pointers in the second half. He made three-straight 3-pointers with just more than 15 minutes left to pull the Wolverines within four points before OSU expanded the lead to 13.

Douglass’ last 3-pointer tied the game at 64.

Turner led Ohio State with 18 points, Lighty and William Buford each added 15, and Jon Diebler had 11 for the Buckeyes.

• To see Turner’s winning shot, click on the link at the right.

angelique.chengelis@detnews.com