Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Iowa
Michigan basketball won its ninth straight game in the Big Ten tournament over Iowa and here are three takeaways as the Wolverines head to the semifinals.
After having nearly a week to stew following a horrendous second half against Michigan State, the Michigan basketball team was sharp Friday night against Iowa, defeating the Hawkeyes 74-53 as it rolled into the Big Ten semifinals Saturday against Minnesota.
3-point shooting has been a key statistic for Michigan basketball all season and against the Hawkeyes, UM knocked down 10 treys, with Ignas Brazdeikis, Eli Brooks, Jordan Poole and Zavier Simpson all hitting two each.
In addition to the red-hot shooting effort from beyond the arc, Michigan was dominant defensively against a really solid Iowa team that is headed to the NCAA tournament.
He's a wizard with the ball in his hands, and he proved it again tonight.
— Michigan On BTN (@MichiganOnBTN) March 16, 2019
Have a favorite @Xaviersimpson3 dime, @umichbball fans?#B1GTourney x #MarchOnBTN pic.twitter.com/0CIBEXWwyK
Simpson was incredible in the win and he was a driving force on both ends of the floor. When he exited the game, Simpson had 11 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two steals. He was also 4-of-4 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw with just one turnover.
It was a special performance but he was far from the only standout. Isaiah Livers got hot in late in the first half as Michigan built a 40-27. Iowa got within 11 early in the second half, but 3-pointers by Brazdeikis and Brooks helped extend the lead and Michigan ran away with it from there.
The Wolverines will face Minnesota Saturday at 3:30 EST (CBS) in the semifinals but before we look ahead, here are three takeaways from the win over Iowa.