GBMWolverine: Michigan Basketball -- Michigan at Purdue -- Another 66-64 Deal -- Purdue Recap and look-around Big Ten

Posted at 6:00am — 1/27/2012

GBMWolverine: Michigan Basketball — Michigan at Purdue — Another 66-64 Deal — Purdue Recap and look-around Big Ten

Michigan lost last week at Arkansas and beat Purdue on Tuesday in close two point games. It was probably more important to win at Purdue than at Arkansas. Why so? A nine and nine league record gets Michigan a nice look by the selection committee with the tough schedule the Wolverines have/will played. Michigan now has six league wins. Ten league wins probably gives the basketball team a sure ticket.

In contrast to Saturday, Michigan played well most of the game against Purdue. Purdue, like Wisconsin, really misses a pair of great contributors from last year. As a result, like Wisconsin again, the Boilers are relying on defense until the new offensive mix gels.

Michigan played well to get a ten-point lead, then could not put the foot on the Boiler throat and held on with some good defense and a little luck at the end. Giving up the second opportunity at the end almost cost the Wolverines the game.

Michigan shot well as Morgan again made a good contribution and Hardaway finally showed some signs of getting the shooting touch back. In baseball, slumps are broken by bunting practice and shooting slumps can be broken by going inside and getting to the foul line. Burke struggled again but talented point guard Lewis Jackson of Purdue had plenty to do with that shortcoming.

Purdue plays hard, has a little trouble running the offense, and got out-rebounded by Michigan. Purdue did take very good care of the ball. Burke and others were beaten frequently on defense.

Michigan did not put the game away, but like Saturday did not wilt and kept composure. Michigan will need to pile up a few more road wins and will get the chance as the Wolverines continues on the road against Ohio State. That scene could be very ugly as the faithful are buying tickets at high value to see Wolverine blood. The difference in athletic talent is very wide between the two teams. It will be important that Michigan does not wilt and fold the chair up as it can be guaranteed Ohio State will turn the heat up to plasma level.

As predicted the Big Ten is a big cement mixer that will probably test every team except Ohio State and Michigan State. Penn State, Nebraska, and Northwestern appear to be the early exits unless a monster surprise arises. Indiana is coming back to earth on the road and Wisconsin and Purdue are struggling to get the 3rd and 4th spots. Wisconsin is making some progress. But it is only January and things change. Hopefully the Wolverine record in the league remains near the top, but that will depend on what happens on the road.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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