Michigan Turns to a Veteran : Wolverines: Former starter Voskuil comes through with big plays down the stretch against Cincinnati.

A starter last season, Michigan swingman James Voskuil became a member of the “Forgotten Five” with the emergence of the “Fab Five” freshmen this season.

Voskuil, who started 14 games this season, suffered a sprained ankle in a pickup game during the Christmas break and was replaced in the starting lineup by Ray Jackson as the Wolverines went with an all-freshman team.

But Voskuil, who had scored only three points in Michigan’s first four NCAA tournament games this season, scored nine points off the bench during the second half as Michigan defeated Cincinnati, 76-72, in a NCAA semifinal game Saturday before 50,379 at the Metrodome.

“It’s not like we dragged him in off the street,” Michigan Coach Steve Fisher said of Voskuil. “He can play. We felt like if we could skip the ball from one side to the other, James would have a chance to hit a spot-up jumper.”

A redshirt freshman in 1989, when Michigan won its last NCAA championship, Voskuil helped propel the Wolverines (25-8) to the championship game for the second time in four years. Michigan will play Duke (33-2), which defeated Indiana, 81-78.

“I was on the bench in ’89 (when Michigan defeated Seton Hall in the NCAA championship game) and what I’m trying to do is get a ring that I can show everyone that I played a part in.

“When I came in in ’89 and played behind guys like Glenn Rice and Sean Higgins and Loy Vaught, I wondered if I’d ever get a chance to play. And to play decently means a lot.”

Inserted into the game when guard Michael Talley drew his fourth foul with 13:21 to play, Voskuil made two of four shots, including a three-point shot, and made four of five free throws. He also had four rebounds.

Perhaps Michigan’s best defensive player, Voskuil also did a good job against forward Herb Jones, who scored 14 points, limiting him to five points during the second half. Jones missed six of eight shots during the second half.

“Herb is a strong player, I just tried to slow him down and get a hand up when he was shooting,” Voskuil said.

Voskuil seemed to provide a steadying influence on Michigan. The Wolverines, who had 12 turnovers during the first half while falling behind by 41-38, had only five during the second half as Voskuil helped break the Bearcat press.

With the score tied at 58, Voskuil triggered a 7-0 run that gave Michigan a 65-58 lead when he flipped in a double-pump shot and added a free throw with 5:39 remaining.

“When a player like (Michigan freshmen) Jalen Rose or Juwan Howard does that, you take it for granted,” Michigan forward Chris Webber said. “James started 10 or 12 games, and I knew he was capable. He was just waiting for his chance to contribute.

“First, I was happy he was scoring, because we needed it. And secondly, I was happy because he showed everyone the type of player he is. That’s why we’ve been winning, because people don’t cry or moan about their role.”

Voskuil said he has accepted his role as a reserve.

“The biggest adjustment is simply the mental approach to the game,” Voskuil said. “You have to be consistent whether or not you get a lot of minutes. You just have to be ready when you’re called on.

“There’s no negativity on this team. There’s no guys like me or (former starters) Eric Riley and Rob Pelinka pouting because they’re not getting enough minutes. I think that’s why positive things happen. The coaches help me by telling me that they’re going to need me.”

After Cincinnati cut the Wolverines’ lead to 65-63, Voskuil made a three-point shot with 3:01 remaining.

“I thought that was a key play when he hit the three,” Cincinnati guard Anthony Buford said. “We knew he was a good shooter, but we didn’t expect him to step up at that moment.”