1990-91 UNLV Runnin' Rebels vs. 1991-92 Michigan Wolverines

Attribute	1990-91 UNLV Runnin' Rebels	1991-92 Michigan Wolverines
Head Coach	Jerry Tarkanian	Steve Fisher
Record	34-1	25-9
Conference	Big West	Big Ten
Conference Record	18-0	11-7
Final Four Appearance	Yes	Yes
NCAA Championship	Yes	Yes

Team Composition

The 1990-91 UNLV Runnin' Rebels were led by head coach Jerry Tarkanian and featured a starting lineup that included future NBA players like Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon, and Greg Anthony. The team was known for its high-flying style of play, aggressive defense, and fast-paced offense. On the other hand, the 1991-92 Michigan Wolverines were coached by Steve Fisher and had a star-studded lineup that included the "Fab Five" freshmen: Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson. This group of talented players brought a new level of excitement and energy to the college basketball scene.

Regular Season Performance

The 1990-91 UNLV Runnin' Rebels had an impressive regular season record of 30-0, becoming the first team since Indiana in 1976 to enter the NCAA Tournament undefeated. They dominated their opponents with an average margin of victory of 26.7 points per game. In contrast, the 1991-92 Michigan Wolverines had a solid regular season record of 25-5, finishing second in the Big Ten conference. They faced tough competition throughout the season but managed to secure a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Conference Tournament Success

During the 1990-91 season, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels continued their dominance by winning the Big West Conference Tournament and securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. They defeated their conference rivals with ease and carried that momentum into the postseason. On the other hand, the 1991-92 Michigan Wolverines had a strong showing in the Big Ten Conference Tournament, reaching the championship game before falling to Ohio State. Despite the loss, they were still considered a top contender heading into the NCAA Tournament.

NCAA Tournament Performance

In the 1990-91 NCAA Tournament, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels made a historic run to the national championship game, where they faced off against the Duke Blue Devils. They put on a dominant performance, defeating Duke 103-73 to claim their first-ever national title. The team's high-flying style of play and suffocating defense overwhelmed their opponents throughout the tournament. In contrast, the 1991-92 Michigan Wolverines had a memorable NCAA Tournament run of their own, reaching the national championship game against the Duke Blue Devils. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short in a close game, finishing as the national runners-up.

Legacy and Impact

The 1990-91 UNLV Runnin' Rebels are often regarded as one of the greatest college basketball teams of all time. Their combination of talent, athleticism, and swagger captivated fans and inspired future generations of players. The team's success helped put UNLV on the map as a basketball powerhouse and solidified Jerry Tarkanian's legacy as a Hall of Fame coach. Similarly, the 1991-92 Michigan Wolverines left a lasting impact on the college basketball landscape. The "Fab Five" revolutionized the game with their baggy shorts, black socks, and flashy style of play. Despite falling short in the national championship game, their influence on the sport is still felt today.