Michigan Basketball: Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan — Eagles Grounded — Wrap-Up
Posted at 5:30am — 12/21/2012
Michigan Basketball: Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan — Eagles Grounded — Wrap-Up
A decent Eastern Michigan Eagle team came into Crisler with the hope of taking out another Big Ten team. That illusion did not last very long and the Wolverines rolled to a 93-54 win.
Eastern started the game hitting a couple of nice threes, but it was not long until Michigan’s offense rolled to a comfortable lead.
Eastern’s forte is defense and the delivery of choice is the 2-3 zone. As many announcers have mentioned on many networks this year: warning do not zone Michigan. Again, that statement proved to be accurate. Michigan flashed a post into the foul lane area and broke down the backside of the defense with excellent passes, many of which were the old school, but still textbook effective bounce pass. Michigan got some easy points when the defenders forgot the inside post man. But perhaps most impressive were the baseline cuts off of the post feeds to the wings.
December 20, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Trey Burke (3) moves the ball against the Eastern Michigan Eagles in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsTrey Burke used screens and dribble penetration to get some points for him and points for others. In the first half Trey played outstanding and the second half saw some breaks on the bench and Michigan shifting to some other options.
In short, the game was near textbook clinic on how to work a standard 2-3 zone.
Eastern helped the Michigan cause on defense by launching numerous rushed and low percentage shots. Eastern did hit some very tough shots, but later in the game the Wolverines relaxed some on the boards and gave up some transitions baskets.
Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Junior again led the way, but several other Wolverine players had vey good games. The center position was well manned by the combination of Morgan and McGary. Morgan played a little soft at times but had positive contributions. Mitch McGary came in and promptly missed two lay-ups, but settled down and had a big game considering the amount of time he played. His play reinforced Coach Beilein’s comment at the start of the year that the team would go as far as McGary’s advancement.
December 20, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) celebrates his three point basket against the Eastern Michigan Eagles in the second half at Crisler Center. Michigan won 93-54. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsBad boy Nik Stauskas behaved well and except for a couple more forced turnovers on drives down the middle had a very good game. He got out on the break nice with rebounds that were quickly given to the playmakers and move to the angle at the three-point line that hurts a 2-3 defense that needs to help below the first penetrating pass.
Glen Robinson III showed great patience, as the action did not come his way for quite awhile. But he was prepared to score when the options were presented in the second half.
Caris LeVert got some valuable minutes and again showed why it was a very wise choice to offer him a late scholarship. He is athletic, quick, and is just staring to show how effective on the offensive end he can be.
Michigan ran when the opportunity arose and as stated ran the half-count zone offense very well. The result was Michigan scoring 93 points, about 35 more than Eastern’s defensive average. Michigan did not play with a foot on and off the gas attitude. The team was steady and business-like the entire game.
Coach Beilein got everything out of this game he needed and Michigan played like a top five program. It was as simple as that.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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