The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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michigan basketball Breakout Performer — Nik Stauskas: Stauskas' heroics in Madison only further affirmed what he's been demonstrating game by game — he's Michigan's go-to performer thus far. Stauskas took charge when he needed to, and remains Michigan's leading scorer (18.0 average) and assist man (3.8). The sophomore has enjoyed a number of big performances in Big Ten play so far, leading the Wolverines with 21 points and five assists against Penn State, scoring 18 with four assists versus Northwestern, and supplying 14 points and seven assists in a huge road victory at Minnesota. He has honed a two-man game with Michigan's big men and increasingly seen the ball in his hands at end-of-clock situations. Impact Freshman — Derrick Walton: The rookie point guard has enjoyed a very strong start to his first Big Ten season. During Michigan's 5-0 streak to begin confer- Sophomore sharpshooter Nic Stauskas has emerged ence play, Walton averaged as U-M's go-to guy, ranking as the team's top scorer 9.2 points, 2.8 assists and 2.4 (18.0 points per outing) and assist man (3.8 per conrebounds. His highlight mo- test) through 17 games. photo by per kjeldsen ments occurred in the nailbiter of a 71-70 victory at Nebraska. Walton's bomb from half court swished at the half to give the Wolverines a three-point lead. That paled in comparison to his baseline drive with 21 seconds to play, when he went over and through a 6-8, 250-pound defender for the game-winning bucket. Game To Watch — Michigan At Michigan State, Jan. 25: The Wolverines and Spartans entered the week of Jan. 20 11-0 between them in conference play. Michigan State enjoys home court advantage in the Jan. 25 matchup, but U-M will try to steal one at the Breslin before looking forward to the rematch at Crisler Center come Feb. 23. — John Borton