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Beilein: Michigan's run has been 'life-changing' for team

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan's remarkable run, which began when its plane slid off the runway on the way to the Big Ten tournament, ended Thursday night with a 69-68 loss to Oregon in the Sweet 16.

The plane incident left players and coaches bewildered, as they were unsure what the issue was and feared for their lives. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt, and the moment seemed to inspire the Wolverines, whose incredible run included winning the Big Ten tournament and an upset of Louisville in the NCAA tournament.

With the journey over, head coach John Beilein reflected on the experience after Thursday's game, noting the way the potentially disastrous situation impacted the team, and how what happened will shape his life going forward.

I sense the appreciation of life right now, and I think as we get more reports of what actually happened, we just started playing ball, we said, 'OK there's a plane back there, let's go play ball,' and now you look at the reports and what could of been, I know I've changed. I hope I'm changed forever. I think this has been life-changing for everyone on the team, as far as you gotta move past these things. But at the same time, boy, you gotta value every day.

Beilein just completed his 10th season with the Wolverines, and has taken them to the NCAA tournament in six of the last eight years, though this year's experience was certainly unique.

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