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Michigan Basketball vs Illinois: 3 Takeaways from the Wolverines Loss

By Chris Peterson

Jan 17, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach John Beilein reacts during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach John Beilein reacts during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Defense still has major issues

During non-conference play, the Michigan defense struggled at times, but it seemed to be much improved, especially in wins over SMU and Marquette.

In fact, Michigan allowed more than 70 points just twice before the start of Big Ten play and that came in losses to Virginia Tech and UCLA. The Hokies scored 73, the Bruins 104.

But if you look at the Wolverines averaged points allowed for the entire season at this point, they are allowing 65 points per game. A pretty reasonable number, considering they are scoring 74.

However, since the start of Big Ten play, which has just been four games, Michigan is giving up 79.3. That number is just 2.5 better than the worst defense in the league. UM also has the worst field-goal percentage defense in the conference, so it’s safe to say, that end of the floor is no better than last season.

Certainly, things can change and they will need to soon, but right now, Michigan is back to being a bad defense.

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