Michigan Basketball Gets Lift With Win Over Powerhouse UCLA

November 21, 2008 9:38 a.m. EST

Manhattan, NY (AHN) - DeShawn Sims led Michigan with 18 points and five rebounds, as the Wolverines stunned UCLA 55-52 in a 2K Sports Classic semifinal Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

Michigan will earn a quick reward, taking on another powerhouse squad in Duke in Friday night's tournament title game.

It is the first of two contests between the programs, which already had a December 6 showdown in Ann Arbor on the slate.

Sims came through down the stretch, scoring on a backdoor cut to the basket with under 30 seconds left to seal the win.

Michigan really starred on the other end of the court, limiting the Bruins to 33 percent shooting after intermission and helping UCLA commit 17 turnovers.

The Wolverines also spread the wealth, as Manny Harris scored 15 points after coming into the game averaging 28 in the opening two games.

It's been a long, difficult stretch for Michigan which last advanced to the NCAA Tournament 10 years ago, an appearance wiped off the books due to violations.