Blowouts, upsets and tough calls

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Good morning! We’ve got a ton of college hoops today, including a handful of championship games. If you miss something, make sure you check your inbox tomorrow. We’ll have everything you should know.

Let’s get to Tuesday’s news.

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1. Michigan, Gonzaga dominate — set up Players Era showdown

Michigan and Gonzaga both entered Tuesday night knowing big wins were needed to play for the Players Era Festival championship. Check and check.

No. 7 Michigan hammered Auburn, 102-72, leading by double digits for most of the game. It was 14-of-35 (44%) from beyond the arc, and also hit 63% of its twos, good for 1.44 points per possession.

Yaxel Lendeborg and Roddy Gayle each scored 17 points, while the blowout also allowed coach Dusty May to use his bench. Nobody played more than 27 minutes. The defense also made life miserable for No. 21 Auburn (5-2), which was just 12-fo-38 inside the arc.

"When we get our team together, and we finally have a roster in place, we try to forecast what we can be elite at. And what are the holes we need to find a way to fix?" May said on After Dark. He found the elite thing. He also added the versatility from Morez Johnson and Lendeborg to guard 1-5, and Elliot Cadeau's feistiness plays a big role in their defense. (Fun fact: The top of the Big Ten also did something no league’s done since the ACC in 1998.)

Whether it can continue that against Gonzaga is another story.

The No. 12 Bulldogs ran away from Maryland, 100-61, led by Braden Huff (20 points), Emmanuel Innocenti (15) and Steele Venters (14). They also scored efficiently (1.43 ppp), and have the size to match up with Michigan.

At most events, a championship matchup like this would be a terrific storyline. But the Players Era’ unique/controversial approach to determining who plays in the final — five teams went 2-0, but a formula set the title game — took off some of that shine.

When the format expands to 32 teams next season, the method won’t change. Should it? Does a unique approach overcome the lack of bracket? We’ll see if the tournament organizers stick to their plan.

2. Tennessee too tough (!) for Houston

Most figured Tennessee vs. Houston would be a physical, demanding game. But throw in clutch plays at the end? Not bad.

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