Seldom-used freshman Frankie Collins sparks Michigan to NCAA Tournament win
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INDIANAPOLIS — Freshman Frankie Collins made a starting debut that Michigan fans won’t soon forget.
With starting point guard DeVante’ Jones stuck on campus in concussion protocol and the Wolverines struggling with turnovers, Collins scored 14 points, grabbed six rebounds and helped 11th-seeded Michigan overcome a shaky start to beat sixth-seeded Colorado State, 75-63, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.
“I’ve always been impressed with his skill set, and I think his style fits our style of play,” coach Juwan Howard said.
Michigan (18-14), after a turbulent journey to the field of 68, now faces either third-seeded Tennessee or 14th-seeded Longwood in the second round of the South Region.
Looking shaky without Jones, Michigan committed nine turnovers in the first 12 1/2 minutes and trailed 28-13. Out of options, Howard called on Collins, who averaged less than 10 minutes per game, to turn things around. He went 6 of 7 from the field, produced season bests in points and rebounds and had just one turnover in 31 minutes.
“They just told me to be Frankie and I felt great going into the game,” Collins said. “It’s just basketball. I’ve been practicing and playing basketball my whole life, so it’s just going out there doing the things I’ve been working on my whole life.”
Big man Hunter Dickinson led Michigan with 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting.
After reaching last year’s regional semifinals, the Wolverines squeaked into this year’s tournament thanks largely to their stout schedule. Howard was suspended for the final five regular-season games for hitting a Wisconsin assistant in the face during a postgame handshake line, and Michigan hasn’t won two straight games in more than a month.
Dischon Thomas scored 15 points on 5-of-7 3-point shooting for Colorado State (25-6), and Mountain West Conference player of the year David Roddy had 13 points and six rebounds.
But the Rams could not take advantage of the highest seed in school history, the momentum from nine wins in their previous 11 games or the big, early lead.
“Disappointed, obviously,” Rams coach Niko Medved said. “I thought the game was in the balance. We had our chances. Michigan was the better team today, clearly in the second half.”
Collins had the biggest impact.
He scored seven straight to cut the 15-point deficit to eight and helped Michigan close within 36-29 at the half.
Collins continued the charge early in the second half, capping a 6-0 spurt with a steal and dunk to make it 38-35. And when Caleb Houstan made back-to-back 3s midway through the half, Michigan led 53-49.
The Wolverines never trailed again, closing it out at the free-throw line.
A year ago, the Wolverines won the Big Ten regular-season crown and came within one win of reaching the Final Four. Most of those players opted to return to chase Michigan’s second national title. After teetering early, the Wolverines gave themselves a chance — especially if Jones returns this weekend.
The Rams had all five starters return from last season’s third-place NIT squad. They’re not likely to be as fortunate next fall. While this was likely Medved’s best coaching job, it wasn’t the way the Rams anticipated heading home.