DES MOINES — Michigan took a slim four-point lead into the second half against a Florida team that was doing everything it could to disrupt the Wolverines in its offensive and defensive sets. That lead, albeit slim, helped spark a fierce rally in the second half by the Wolverines, who ended up going on to a double-digit victory over the Gators in the NCAA Tournament.

That rally was also aided by a heartfelt halftime speech by senior captain Charles Matthews. Matthews, who is typically labeled as a quiet person in nature, can step up and say what's on his mind when he feels like the team needs it.

According to U-M forward Isaiah Livers, it was the kick in the pants the team needed to get going.

"Charles said forget about everything else, whatever you're thinking about, scratch it out of your mind," Livers said. "He literally said this, going to the Sweet Sixteen, you'll know that feeling of pouring water on your coach. Think about pouring water on the coaches when they come in here after we win. That was the statement he made at the half. I have never seen a speech like that from him. Usually when we're down, but when we're up he will say small little statements. That was a good statement he made for us. You can tell it turned the team around.

"A lot more serious Charles, you know Charles is a quiet guy. Louder than usual than his halftime speeches. I couldn't do much but listen and kind of visualize everything he was saying."

Matthews, who knows a thing or two about the importance of this time of the year, added 9 points and 7 rebounds in the winning effort, which proved that he is able to back up what he says as a leader. Regardless of what happened on the court in the second half, it's clear that Matthews has the attention, and respect, of the entire program.

When Charles speaks, the team listens.

"He just told us that it's all about winning and that's what we need to do right now and nothing else matters except winning," Brazdeikis said. "Getting to the Sweet Sixteen. I couldn't agree more and it was just super exciting. He was the same Charles, always calm and always composed. I feel like that's what a leader should be, never get too high and never get too low. He does a great job of calming us down and getting us ready."

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