It started with a plane crash and ended with a championship.
When the final buzzer sounded, Michigan fans threw their hands into the air in victory. The feeling was both joy and relief. Players rushed the court. They jumped and hugged and put on their new shirts and hats exclaiming their new title: Big Ten Tournament Champions.
Coach John Beilein stood on the court surrounded by his players, a TV camera and microphone in his face. He smiled and put his arms around his star seniors, Zak Irvin and Derrick Walton, who were standing on either side of him.