If only Burke's late shot went down

One of the trite things being said about Michigan's 56-53 defeat at Ohio State Sunday is the Wolverines will somehow benefit from the loss, that it was a learning experience that will prove valuable down the road.
I couldn't disagree with that premise more.
Michigan's basketball program, often a source of embarrassment, and at times neglect, since the 1990s, would have vaulted to No.1 in the nation with a victory. So that wouldn't equal a regular season Big Ten title, or a Big Ten Tournament championship or a Final Four appearance or winning it all in the NCAA tournament - it would have been particularly meaningful for the Wolverines. It also would have been a source of extreme annoyance for Michigan State fans, who are itching for a time the Spartans might be the one that prove Michigan is overrated.
Personally, I don't believe the Wolverines are overrated. I thought Sunday's game was telling about Michigan's competitive character. That was a tremendous rally from being down by a wide margin on the road in an extremely hostile environment. If Trey Burke's late 3-point shot had gone instead of in-and-out, the result would have been different.
Michigan has good balance on the floor and is athletic, but this is still a team coached by John Beilein. That means the Wolverines must shoot the ball better in order to be a force. Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. were a combined 9-for-29  shooting. Freshman super shooter Nik Stauskas only got off three shots, missing them all. The Wolverines will not win against top competition if they don't shoot much better. They were in the game, though, despite it all. It was a good sign, but not a great one. That would have been winning and being able to claim the top spot in the polls.
Replay of my live chat Monday on Michigan's loss to Ohio State, NFL playoffs and Red Wings. We do this every Monday at 1 p.m.. Check out and take participate.