BUFFALO – No. 1 seed Michigan used a strong second half to pull away from No. 9 seed Saint Louis Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

The Billikens conclude the season with a school-record 29 wins and a 29-6 record. Michigan (33-3) advances to the Sweet 16 next week in Chicago.

Amari McCottry led the Billikens with 14 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Dion Brown scored 13 points. Robbie Avila, playing in the final game of his collegiate career, scored nine points and chipped in a team-best five assists.

The first half featured seven lead changes and three ties, as Saint Louis briefly took the lead at 27-23 following a strong stretch fueled by second-chance points and perimeter shooting. The Wolverines closed the half on a 25-12 surge to take a 48-39 lead into the break.

Out of halftime, the Billikens came out firing as they drained four early treys from three different players. Avila's second trey of the second half pulled the Billikens to within four of the lead with 15:50 left.

However, Michigan answered again with a pivotal run and pushed its advantage to double figures for good midway through the second half.