Michigan Basketball: Charles Matthews sparks win over Montana

Charles Matthews was outstanding during the run to the Final Four in 2018 and if he plays as he did in the win over Montana, Michigan basketball can return.

When Michigan basketball made its run to the Final Four in 2018, Charles Matthews was essential and if the Wolverines are going to get back, he will need to keep playing the way he did Thursday night against Montana.

Michigan took on the Grizzlies in the round of 64 for the second straight season and thanks in large part to Mathews, who notched a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, the Wolverines cruised to a 74-55 win.

While Michigan basketball ended up winning by 19 points for a short time in the second half, Montana crept within eight points after five straight points by Sayeed Pridgett.

Yet, the Wolverines answered quickly. Jordan Poole scored a quiet 10 points but his 3-pointer to Michigan back up 37-26 was one of the biggest shots of the night. Matthews followed it up with a jumper and then buried a trey. Jon Teske threw down a dunk after a tremendous pass by Zavier Simpson, completing a 10-0 run that pushed the lead back to 18.

Michigan continued to pound the ball inside and got to the free throw line 24 times, pushing the lead to as many as 26 points. Teske didn’t have a huge offensive game but he was one of the game’s most impactful players, finishing with 11 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

Teske established himself in the post early but he did much more on the defensive end. Even though the Griz got a look at him last season, his 7-foot-1 frame bothered them all night and at game’s end, Montana made just 20-of-60 shots (33 percent).

Michigan’s 3-point defense, which was among the best in the country, played like it Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa, limiting the Grizzlies to 6-of-24 (25 percent), which was well below their 38-percent mark from deep during the season.

Ignas Brazdeikis also had some highlight-reel plays in his first NCAA tournament game, throwing down a few dunks and finishing with 14 points and seven boards. Simpson struggled a bit with four turnovers, but he also scored four points, dished out seven assists and grabbed seven rebounds.

Yet, the best player on the floor was Matthews. He scored his sixth 20-point game of the season, which also happened to be his first double-digit scoring game in his last five outings. He also showed the kind of explosiveness he seemed to be missing during the Big Ten tournament as he recovered from an ankle injury.

Matthews attacked the hoop constantly and was extremely efficient, connecting on 8-of-12 shots from the field, as well as making 5-of-6 free throws. As a team, Michigan shot 49 percent from the field.

With the win, Michigan won its 29th game of the season and will play Florida Saturday for a spot in the Sweet 16.

As long as Matthews plays the way he did against Montana, Michigan basketball should have a great chance of advancing.