Michigan Basketball: Instant impressions from loss to Michigan State

A short-handed Michigan basketball team battled against Michigan State but still fell short. Here are some instant impressions for the Wolverines.

Winning at Michigan State was always going to be tough this season for Michigan basketball. But without Isaiah Livers, it seemed nearly impossible Sunday.

The fact that Cassius Winston put forth a super-human effort also didn’t hurt for Michigan State, as the Spartans point guard owned the day. Whether it was from 3-point range, on the drive or in the mid-range, Winson couldn’t miss and that was the biggest difference in an 87-69 loss.

Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske each did their part. They both scored in double figures and did their best to keep Michigan in the game. Simpson notched three steals in the first half to help keep U-M within 10, while Teske was able to get the ball inside and score.

And really, Michigan basketball fans can be proud of the way the Wolverines battled. Michigan State was in control most of the day, but U-M kept fighting until the bitter end.

Here are some instant impressions from the fourth straight defeat to Michigan State

• Michigan has really developed a nice inside game and that was an answer to the way the Spartans defended the screen and roll. Teske and Brandon Johns each scored in double figures and Austin Davis even scored a few buckets down low, finishing with seven. It was a nice adjustment and helped the offense be semi-productive.
• Speaking of Davis, his development is a testament to the coaching ability of Juwan Howard. He scored multiple times with his back to the basket and if Howard can get that out of Davis, imagine what he will be able to do with someone like Hunter Dickinson.
• The absence of Isaiah Livers really hurt Sunday and it was felt early. On the first few possessions, Johns had two chances at open treys. He took one and missed and then passed up the other, prompting a scolding from Simpson. Livers, who was shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc, likely makes one or both, changing the momentum and causing Michigan State to respect that. Johns did make one triple and Franz Wagner hit two, but U-M needed a more consistent effort.
• Wagner is growing. He made only shot in the first half (a three) but made two free throws as a technical foul on Tom Izzo and that got him going. He buried a triple soon after and got two more free throws to reach double figures. It has taken Franz time to adjust to the college game and his injury is probably the biggest reason why, but he’s getting closer.

• Overall, it wasn’t a great effort but it wasn’t the worst either. Michigan still has a chance to be right there in the Big Ten. Nothing I saw Sunday changed that opinion.