Michigan Basketball: Big Ten Tournament — Penn State vs. Michigan — Wrap-Up — Wolverines Advance — Enigma Remains
Posted at 6:00am — 3/15/2013
Michigan Basketball: Big Ten Tournament — Penn State vs. Michigan — Wrap-Up — Wolverines Advance — Enigma Remains
The recently ever-enigmatic Wolverines showed up to play Penn State on the first day of the Big Ten Tournament. Right off the bat, Michigan’s big man Jordan Morgan missed several layups and Michigan played Swiss-cheese defense against Penn State’s basic curls and inside penetration. Michigan fell behind.
Exit Morgan, and McGary enters the game and promptly misses a fast break lay-up. But he shook up the inside with some very good rebounding and inside offense and Michigan came back from the early deficit.
Mar 14, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) grabs a rebound against Penn State Nittany Lions forward Ross Travis (43) in the first half during the first round of the Big Ten tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY SportsHardaway Junior was cold early on, but got a few easy looks in the second half to at least make a reasonable contribution. Stauskas continues to play well after getting Spartooned.
Jon Horford came off the bench and showed effort, giving Michigan some needed breathing room on the scoreboard. He did what he needed to do to help the team. For a while it seemed as if some Michigan players were afraid the ball would never see their hands again, and up it went.
Trey Burke played an excellent floor game and provided steady offense the entire game. This was a very strong all-around game for Trey.
Michigan let Penn State shoot 50 percent for the game, but the Lions were aided by several easy shots from low post play, attacking the middle on the dribble, or simple curl cuts.
Mar 14, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Jon Horford (15) dunks as Penn State Nittany Lions guard Nick Colella (20) watches in the first half during the first round of the Big Ten tournament at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY SportsThe rebounding total was in Michigan’s favor by a mere four.
Tomorrow is Wisconsin, and the Wolverines need to come out with a leave nothing on the floor mentality. Frankly, there still should be some fumes coming out of the scalp regarding how Michigan gave away what turned out to be a big game.
Wisconsin does not have the athletes Michigan has, but the Badgers are the epitome of efficient system basketball. Wisconsin is rested and well prepared for Michigan. Although, there will be nothing new out of Wisconsin for Michigan to prepare for. The ball will be spread, the clock used, and the play will be physical.
This will be an opportunity to preview how Michigan will need to play in the tournament to advance.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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