GBMWolverine: Michigan Basketball — Iowa at Michigan — Michigan Rains on Iowa
Posted at 6:00am — 1/31/2011
GBMWolverine: Michigan Basketball — Iowa at Michigan — Michigan Rains on Iowa
Chicken little is not as filled with intestinal fortitude as his big cousin Hawkeye. But Chicken Little’s perception may have been a little keener as things were clearly falling from the sky. Three pointers to be precise as Michigan hit 14 of 28 for the night, a nice figure. To counterbalance the giddiness one must take into consideration that Iowa gives up more threes than any other Big Ten team. Even if young, Michigan has the shooters to provide a big hurt if a team lets them shoot uncontested like a horse game.
There was more to like than not like in this game, but there were occurrences not to like, for certain. But first the good news is put forward. Morris had a great game; a statement that can be made just about anytime a player at any level hits a triple double. Those are rare and Darius may leave Michigan with a career record before his playing days end. The guys finally let Jordan Morgan play in the second half, providing easy dunks and some inside moves as Morris and others dished the ball as Iowa was forced to chase the ball being behind. Hardaway is no longer a freshman, he is playing at upper-class level. Novak is Novak. Smotzy woke up long enough to hit some threes, but gave the points up on defense. Even with almost 30 launches, Michigan hit 59% for the game.
It was a tale of three games. First, Michigan came out a little dead and got behind. Second, the guys woke up and the shots went in, securing a nice lead. Finally, Michigan got cute, way too cute and played some fun to watch over passing basketball that imitated a cat playing with a live mouse attempting to have fun but keeping the mouse alive to have more fun. This backfired as Iowa again went inside to gain easy points and Michigan had some trouble against pressure defense.
Do not know how Coach B will react to the ha-ha cute ball, but this error allowed Iowa to hang around five minutes longer than necessary.
Michigan went to the foul line very little, choosing the bombs away option. This may have been a good strategy against Iowa but there are a few other teams in the league where you better take some trips to the foul line.
The inside defense for Michigan for most of the game was an outrage, the Hawkeyes must have made 15 baskets from close in with little opposition. Even the fouls were weak. Unreal that Michigan State could not take advantage of Michigan inside, but that can happen when the guards essentially own the rock.
The next stop is Columbus, where the faithful will be coming out drooling. Ohio State is the most talented team in the nation, but frankly got a little fortunate in the end against Northwestern.
After Ohio State, Michigan has two very winnable games at home. The Wolverines better grab what they can, while they can, in the win column. The tournament provides a building block to next year. Northwestern against Michigan looks like a first-round possibility.
Well, these guys are fun to watch, unless you hate defense that concedes twos to get down the floor to shoot threes.
Video Highlights:
Please comment on our GBMWolverine Message Board about this article and read what others comment.
You can contact us at our e-mail address: GBMWolverine
Follow us on Twitter: @GBMWolverine
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
Go Blue — Wear Maize!