Michigan Basketball: IUPUI at Michigan — NIT Season Tip-Off — North Regional — Wrap-up
Posted at 5:45am — 11/13/2012
Michigan Basketball: IUPUI at Michigan — NIT Season Tip-Off — North Regional — Wrap-up
Michigan easily moved on in the preseason NIT by defeating IUPUI 91-54. IUPUI did a nice job of hanging in the game in the first half by making three pointers and working the ball inside. By the middle of the second half the legs were gone and Michigan rapidly extended the lead.
The Michigan offense was magnificent, led by Trey Burke with 22 points. Early in the game Glenn Robinson III ruled on both ends of the court. Young Robinson has the height, quickness, and basketball skills to be a very important contributor. He will have some big nights this year. Anyone wondering if Glenn is the real deal, stop the wondering.
November 12, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) shoots the ball over IUPUI Jaguars center Mitchell Patton (42) in the first half of a preseason NIT game at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIREHardaway Junior had some difficulties on defense the first half and while he flowed well in the offense, not much was getting done until the second half. His speed seems to have picked up last year and he is clearly stronger.
Jordan Morgan was solid on offense and showed better versatility. His mobility has improved and Jordan is capable of putting up double figures this year. Jordan is an adequate inside rebounder and he is very valuable in the high screen game and the isolation package used for Trey Burke.
Nik Stauskas is indeed what he was labeled here last week: a stone cold killer. With all the offensive talent on the team, Stauskas will not fire hundreds of shots this year, but he will throw enough through the rim to make opponents game plan.
The Michigan offense continued the early trend of superb passing and unselfish play. Burke can beat the defense by dribbling, shooting, and passing. Robinson and Hardaway Junior can take it coast to coast on the break. It was the Michigan running surge that eventually wore out the IUPUI offense with tired second half legs.
On defense, the Wolverines were far from exemplary. In the first half, when the legs were fresh. IUPUI motioned the ball around the perimeter, making threes, were given wide-open looks on the perimeter by Michigan, and scored several goals in transition.
November 12, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Jordan Morgan (52) dunks the ball against the IUPUI Jaguars in the second half of a preseason NIT game at Crisler Center. Michigan won 91-54. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIREJordan Morgan gave up baskets down low by getting beat on his fronts and also giving up easy low post position when he played from behind. Jordan’s offense and mobility has improved but he was hurt tonight on post play defense. Not helping was the fact that little help side defense arrived as the timely cavalry.
Rebounding is better and the hands so far seem to be quicker. There is improvement to be gained, but already this team is showing the potential to be at least an average top tier rebounding team. Michigan can finally go big with Horford, Morgan, and McGary all capable of giving good minutes.
There were missed layups, some over-penetration, and a few bad passes, but overall this offense ran very smooth. The motion offense and the high post iso options will provide scoring due to one Trey Burke. The veterans are better and the newcomers are talented.
Once again, Michigan has plenty of work to become even decent on perimeter guarding. Chasing the ball against good opposition will result in head fakes; drives, fouls, and wide open threes. And IUPUI took advantage in the first half.
November 12, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Trey Burke (3) is fouled by IUPUI Jaguars guard Sean Esposito (20) in the first half of a preseason NIT game at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRETomorrow Michigan plays Cleveland State. Cleveland State beat Bowling Green in overtime. This team historically can play with major conference teams and usually puts good athletes on the floor.
The winner gets to play on the floor of the famous Madison Square Garden on November 21.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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