The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/614487
MICHIGAN BASKETBALL the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas, with three games in three days. The travel didn't seem to throw John Beilein's team off stride. The Wolverines got 18 points from senior guard Caris LeVert and five three-pointers off the bench from redshirt sophomore wing Duncan Robinson (17 points overall) in overcoming the Wolfpack. Michigan led by as many as 15 points in the contest, and sharpened up on its defensive rebounding and defense overall to hold off a North Carolina State rally. Barber entered the game averaging 11 free throw makes and 12.5 free throw attempts per game, and he went only 4 of 4 at the line versus U-M. Worst Loss — 86-70 against Xavier, Nov. 20: It's no shame to lose to Xavier, a strong and athletic crew. Plenty of teams will do that before this season's over. The Wolverines got overwhelmed at home, though, and that wasn't a good look for a team trying to hit its stride early. LeVert's 29 points couldn't save the Wolverines against a Musketeers bunch that outrebounded the home team 47-29, which included an 18-7 advantage on the offensive glass. Xavier put four players in double figures, while only LeVert got there for Beilein's team. Michigan's interior defense didn't hold up at times, and Xavier cashed in 16 points off its second chances while outscoring the Wolverines 7-0 in fast-break points. The Musketeers even held the upper hand in points off turnovers — normally a strong point for Beilein teams — 16-9. Breakout Performer — Caris LeVert: LeVert just keeps racking up the hon- ors, in terms of earning his way onto watch lists for national player of the year. He's been Michigan's steadiest performer, someone who led the Wolverines in scoring (17.7 points per game), rebounding (5.0 per game) and assists (3.9 per game) through nine contests. LeVert isn't loud by any means, but he's taken charge in many ways for Beilein's squad. He knows where everyone ought to be and isn't afraid to take charge on the court. In addition to his 29 points against Xavier, LeVert has led the Wolverines in a number of other contests. Despite an off night at SMU, he's No. 1 on every op- ponent's scouting list for a reason. Freshman Impact — Moritz Wagner: The rookie from Germany really began turning heads in the Bahamas during the Battle 4 Atlantis. Wagner's career-high 19 points in Michigan's win over Charlotte featured a number of athletic and aggressive moves on the court. Beilein noted Wagner has been Michigan's best big man in certain games, and the earlier thoughts of a possible redshirt season are well in the rearview mirror for the German import. His role should only continue to increase while he makes gains in strength. — John Borton