Michigan Basketball survives Minnesota in Overtime: 3 takeaways for UM

Michigan can’t afford slow starts anymore

Ever since the Wolverines beat Michigan State, they have started slowly against teams they are supposed to beat. It started with the very next game against Maryland and has continued against Nebraska, Rutgers, Northwestern and now Minnesota.

Thankfully, Michigan basketball was good enough to rally and win each of those games, well at least the three at home. Against Nebraska, Michigan lost by 20. The Wolverines beat Maryland and Minnesota in overtime. UM ended up beating Rutgers and Northwestern by double digits, but neither win was easy.

As I said previously, this time of year, it’s not about style points. A win is a win and UM is 19-6 overall and 8-4 in the Big Ten, tied for fourth with Nebraska. Yet, the Wolverines still have work to do to make the NCAA tournament and eventually, the slow starts are going to cost them.

Four of the final six games are on the road. Iowa and Ohio State come to Crisler Arena, but road games against Northwestern, Wisconsin, Penn State and Maryland, is going to make every win hard to come by.

The Wolverines probably only need 2-3 wins to get into the tournament, but if they keep playing this way, nothing will be guaranteed.