Wolverine Woes
The Michigan Wolverines traveled to Indiana to take on the Hoosiers last night. Things started out good in the first half, and then fell apart in the second half. As a result, Indiana beat Michigan 62-53.
Poor second half shooting and 20 turnovers were the story of this game. The Wolverines made just 7 of 28 shots in the second half. Brent Petway came off the bench with a team-leading 12 points. Graham Brown led the team with 12 rebounds. Dion Harris and Daniel Horton continued to struggle from the field. Horton was 2-9 with 11 points and Harris was 4-12 with 11 points.
Coming off an NIT Championship, the expectations for this season remain high. Michigan has failed to gain a ranking and has been plagued by injuries. They are expected to win against teams such as Indiana, but aren’t getting the job done. Poor shooting and sloppy ball handling have been the main problem. Turnovers, missed free throws, and missed key shots have caused Michigan to narrowly escape some games and lose others.
Indiana has won six of their last seven games. There has been speculation that Coach Mike Davis could be fired if the team doesn’t start winning. The news appears to have motivated the team. The Hoosiers shot 35 percent from the field and missed nine free throws. The Wolverines had every opportunity to win this game, but could not get it done.
The Wolverines miss the leadership of Lester Abram. Abram is a leader both on and off the court. He adds energy to the team. He is arguably the most important piece of the Wolverines. He can shoot, run the ball, and rebounds well for a Guard. He’s tall, and can play good defense.
If the Wolverines can find consistency in their game, and learn to break through strong defense, they can develop a better inside game. Handling defensive pressure will also help their ball movement. If they just calm down and be patient with the ball, they should find better passing, and smoother transition.
All is not lost for the Wolverines. They are 12-6 overall, and 3-1 in the Big Ten. The season is young, and they still have the team capable of finishing strong enough too earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament. When they start making tournament appearances, they will have a better chance at landing better recruits. With their core group of players returning next year, they’re on the right path. Better future recruits will only strengthen them and help bring them back to the top of the standings.
posted by Dan Joseph @ 9:44 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
I think the Wolverines will be a bubble team, which is sad when you consider the expectations coming into the season. But injuries riddle them early, and I am surprised that they managed to play as well as they did. That goes to Tommy Amaker, who I think is a great coach that gets the best out of a very short roster. I have to give him credit for what he has been able to do, because I agree, no one wants to come here and play. I used to be a U of M basketball slappy, but when they had the Brian Ellerbe years I stop watching because I hated that guy and thought he got the job based on who was AD at the time ( Goss ) and nothing more. When he was hired I gave up on U of M basketball and have only recently started watching again. Let me put it to you this way, I bleed maize and blue - it is who I am. But when they hired Ellerbe, I rooted for the enemy - the Spartans - whenever MSU and U of M played. Ellerbe soured it all for me and now I am finally warming up to it again. I like Amaker, he is a good young coach that I think will have a lot of success here - that is, when the recruits start to come again. They will, it just all takes time - just go ask Darko! Later - T.S.D.
Yeah, you're probably right. I losing Lester was the worst thing that could happen. the only thing that I'm thankful for is he'll be back next year.
What about another NIT run? Would you rather see that than a one round tourney trip?
I think all we could ask for right now is another nice NIT run - we would fair better in that than the NCAA Tourney! We will most likely be a bubble NCAA, but I think the NIT might be the way to go. If it weren't for the injuries that might be a let down, but the fact that they have been able to keep their heads above water with all the key players down, again, goes to Amaker. The NIT would probably be more promising this year, but next year as long as there are no injuries, anything but the NCAA would be disappointing.
The only reason I agree with sending Michigan to the NIT is to get more games in, and more experience playing in a tournament situation. Without Lester, I don't see them winning more than one game at best in the big dance.
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