Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from Wolverines win over Montana

Beilein works his tournament magic again

Ever since John Beilein took over as the head coach for Michigan basketball, good things have been happening and after 11 years, it just continues.

The win over Montana was his 14th NCAA Tournament win as head coach of the Wolverines. It was also his seventh in the opening game. Michigan basketball is now 7-1 in its first tourney game under Beilein and also has won at least one game in its last five trips to the Big Dance.

Those numbers are all impressive. But what was even more impressive was how Michigan won the game against the Grizzlies, because the offense certainly didn’t carry the day. Instead, it was the defense that did.

Michigan held a talented Montana team to 33 percent shooting. It also held the Grizzlies without a bucket for more than 10 minutes in the second half. That drought ended up being the difference in the game. The ability to adapt and become a great defensive team, also shows just how good Beilein is and why this Wolverines squad won’t be an easy out.