The whispers were almost deafening. Coming into the game, there was talk that Michigan, the team that looked like a high school team last year, would come into play UCLA, the nation’s 4th ranked team, in the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer in New York, and win.

And those whispers turned to loud cheers at the end of the game when the Wolverines walked off the floor to “Hail to the Victors” with a broad smile across Coach John Beilein’s face.

Manny Harris scored 15 and hit two huge free throws in the 55-52 shocker in the semifinals of the classic, and now they face Duke–who they will play again in 2 weeks. (Yes, no rest for the weary, apparently) The Wolverines harassed the Bruins to 17 turnovers and Michigan shot over 60 percent in the second half, despite only making 5-20 three pointers all game.

Stu Douglass tallied 10 points for Michigan, which beat a ranked opponent on a neutral court for the first time since 1998. Michigan had lost 12 straight games to ranked teams. It’s also the first win over a top-five team since 1997 when the Wolverines topped Duke. (AP)

Can they do it again? My crystal ball is a little fuzzy, but who cares! Yeah for the Big Ten!