Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from the magical win over Houston

Depth has been a huge factor for Michigan

When you see the shot that Poole hit against Houston, it’s easy to say that Michigan bench was a key factor in the win. Poole, a freshman, scored eight off the bench, including the winning three. Ironically, without Duncan Robinson being in foul trouble, he probably wouldn’t have been on the floor. Just one of those funny details.

But Robinson fouled out with a few minutes left, setting the stage for Poole, who hit a 3-pointer earlier in the game. He’s a streaky shooter, but when he’s on, he’s on and he was feeling it against Houston.

Robinson, another bench player, also had 11 points. His three first-half 3-pointers kept Michigan in the ballgame. Ever since he became the sixth man, he has elevated his game and even though he missed some open looks in the second half, UM wouldn’t have won without him.

John Teske also added six points, four rebounds and two blocks. He made four clutch free throws down the stretch, tying the game at the line twice in the last five minutes. In the first win against Montana, Jaaron Simmons and Eli Brooks also provided a spark off the bench, with eight combined points in the first half vs the Griz.

At the end of the day, Michigan advanced for a lot of reasons, but the bench was a big part of it.