The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/106890
men's basketball Michigan Basketball Rewind: Dec. 18-Jan. 17 Overall Record: 17-1 (4-1 Big Ten) Record From Dec. 18-Jan. 17: 6-1 (4-1 Big Ten) National Ranking: No. 5 Associated Press poll and No. 5 USA Today coaches poll Best Win — 83-75 over Minnesota: Michigan stared down an 0-2 week after suffering its first lost of the year in Columbus. But the Wolverines responded in forceful fashion, traveling to Williams Arena and taking down one of the nation's more talented teams in a battle of top-10 foes. Junior guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and sophomore point guard Trey Burke led U-M's offensive assault. Hardaway hit a sizzling 7 of 8 shots from the floor on his way to a team-high 21 points, while Burke added 18 points and nine assists in a game that the Wolverines took control of early and never looked back. Michigan led by as many as 19 some seven minutes into the second half and needed to repeatedly fight off Minnesota runs. That John Beilein's crew did so against the nation's No. 9 squad in its own building signaled an extremely strong answer to the first loss of the season. Worst Loss — 56-53 at Ohio State: The Wolverines finally tasted defeat following 16 straight wins to open the season, and it went down hard. U-M fell behind from the opening tip, careening into a 29-8 hole, on the way to dropping a 56-53 decision in Columbus. Michigan experienced one of its worst shooting efforts of the season, connecting on just 38.3 percent from the floor and 30.0 percent from three-point range. The Wolverines still managed to shake off the shock of the opening moments to rally and tie the game late, behind Burke's 15 points and four assists. In the end, Michigan made too many mistakes down the stretch to pull it out. A Burke three-point attempt that would have given Michigan the lead with seconds remaining went halfway down and then spat back out. Breakout Performer: Hardaway has stepped up in so many areas for the 201213 crew. His rebounding (5.4 average) assists the big men on the boards and helps key Michigan's transition game. His 16.4 scoring average is second on the team only to Burke (18.0), and Hardaway has been very efficient with his shooting — 48.5 percent from the floor, 39.3 percent on threes and a solid 73.6 percent from the free throw line. His 21-point effort in the road win at Minnesota proved a huge difference maker, especially given Michigan's need for a quick start. Hardaway garnered a dozen points in the opening 10 minutes, boosting the Wolverines' advantage and their confidence. Impact Freshman — Caris LeVert: The young swingman appeared destined for a redshirt season early on, but team need and his own ability has him providing a dozen minutes a game for the Wolverines. His huge three-pointer on his