The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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Michigan's end involves an ongoing process. "Some of that toughness comes in the weight room, and it takes time," he said. "Another part is being focused to be mentally tough to stay with the box out, with your man, things like that. It's not like we're going out there and going to slam somebody. It's being mentally tougher and a little more physical in what we do defensively." Michigan swept through the nonconference season undefeated a year ago, on its way to a near miss in the Big Ten race and an eventual NCAA championship game appearance. The first part of that scenario wasn't realistic this year, given U-M's personnel turnover and schedule, Beilein noted. Head coach John Beilein "We've got to be ready and try to win these games and just grow … we have to put it all together so we are on the right side of the scoreboard." "We weren't going to come out 10‑0," he said. "We were going to have losses. It would have been a treat to win today, but we're not in January. We'll have to win in the Big Ten, have to win at neutral sites. … A win here would help you, but it won't decide your season if you lose it." At the same time, a pre-Big Ten momentum boost wouldn't hurt. "We're still connected, but down," Beilein said. "We practice really hard and want to see results. We have to understand that the devil is in the details, and getting better is huge. I told the guys if this was two weeks ago and Duke was here or someone else, we don't play to a last-possession game. We're getting better, but we have to play a perfect game against Arizona." EARLY LOSSES AREN'T SHOCKERS Michigan's 63-61 loss to Charlotte in the championship game of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off qualifies as the Wolverines' only semi-stunner of a defeat in the early season. After U-M rallied from 16 points down to overcome Florida State in overtime the previous game, it figured to roll past the 49ers for the championship. So much for figuring. Somewhat fatigued from the fight past the Seminoles, and still working to get big man Mitch McGary back up to speed and in sync with the offense, the Wolverines experienced more unexpected setbacks. Tournament MVP Nik Stauskas, who led them with 20 points in the game, scored only four after halftime, playing with an obvious limp after twisting an ankle. Another starter, Glenn Robinson III, managed just nine minutes on the court after crashing hard to the floor and hurting his back. The Wolverines again dug a hole, this time a dozen points worth, and the late surge couldn't carry them over the top. While acknowledging his own team's roster issues, Beilein didn't dwell on them. "Charlotte was really good,"