Davis: UM’s Wagner shows ‘respect move’ with gesture

While the sting of gut-wrenching defeat still lingered the next day, Houston junior guard Corey Davis Jr. was appreciative of Michigan’s Moritz Wagner.

Amid the pandemonium after freshman guard Jordan Poole hit the winning 3-pointer as time expired in Michigan’s 64-63 win Saturday at Intrust Bank Arena, Wagner wrapped his arm around a stunned Davis on the sideline in an act of compassion.

“It was a respect move for sure,” Davis told Fox 26 Houston’s Mark Berman on Sunday. “I appreciate him for doing that, especially in that time. He stopped and came and talked to me and consoled me and I appreciate that. He’s a good person for sure.”

Wagner said he empathized with Davis, who made a leaping attempt to block Poole’s buzzer-beating shot, because “sports is all love,” and he knew he would be the one lying on the court devastated if the outcome were different.

Still, Davis said he was surprised by Wagner’s gesture to stop mid-celebration and offer him words of encouragement.

“I guess it shows that he respected us,” Davis said. “It was a hard-fought game. The way they won and the fashion, it’s March Madness. Anything can happen at that point. The way they won that game was crazy.”

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