Michigan Basketball: Another frustrating defeat to the enemy

Cassius Winston proved to Michigan basketball once again why he is arguably the best point guard in the nation.

Winston dominated the Wolverines from start to finish. He routinely got inside the paint for layups and kick-outs to penetrate Michigan’s lackadaisical defense. A career-high 32, as he thoroughly put his stamp on this one. Winston is a continuing thorn in the side of Michigan basketball that can’t go away soon enough.

Michigan’s shooting was abysmal, to say the least. The Wolverines couldn’t get within double digits enough to make it a contest in the second. 36% for the game and 21% from three has been a mainstay in all four losses this season. For the maize and blue to win the stacked Big Ten it has to win on the road. That’s something that everyone in the conference knows is next to impossible.

Xavier Tillman was a force on the inside for the Spartans. He grabbed a team-high 11 boards to go along with six blocks. As a whole, the Spartans blocked 12 shots and never let the Wolverines get in a rhythm to make it a close one. Tom Izzo has his squad hitting their stride right on time.

Austin Davis continues to be a pleasant surprise coming off the bench. He gave Juwan Howard quality minutes that Colin Castleton has been struggling with. Castleton’s body is simply not ready for the power of the bigs in a loaded conference full of them. Therefore Davis will have to be used off the pine even more and more going forward.

Missing Isaiah Livers would not have made much of a difference, but would have made it a little closer. With the grueling schedule on the table, Livers is needed more desperately than ever. At the moment he remains day-to-day, but shouldn’t be out too much longer. With all that said, someone has to emerge in his absence and that has yet to happen.

Coach Howard must find answers to winning away from home. Letting Zavier Simpson drive to the hoop was their best offense today. That usually leads to open looks that his teammates have no choice but to knock down if they wish for success away from Crisler. As for the defensive breakdowns, there has to be a commitment to tightening up for however long it takes. Doing those things mid-season will decide if this group can regain its form from the Battle 4 Atlantis run.

Michigan basketball should be a favorite in two of its three next outings. So a feasible winning streak is not out of the question. Taking it one step at a time is way too cliche, but it’s what needs to be done in order for the maize and blue to accomplish their goals of toppling the Big Ten and working towards an extended stay come April.