Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from resume building rivalry win

Livers Is Clearly A Difference Maker

The junior saw 31 minutes of action in his long-awaited return to the lineup. The bigger takeaway was from just having him out there again. He obviously makes Michigan basketball a better team in all aspects. His presence with what lies ahead can help get the Wolverines out of the basement and at least into the middle of the pack of the Big Ten.

Livers shot 50 percent from the field, which is where he’s been all year when available. Tom Izzo said after the game that he noticed the others that stepped up besides Livers to beat his team. Whether or not it was a slight jab at Livers can be argued for another time, but Livers made Izzo and the Spartans pay attention to him regardless of what he said in the postgame.

His minutes restriction should go by the wayside as he regains his form going forward. He’ll take some bumps and bruises in a knockdown, drag-out conference, but hopefully, the worst is over for a player that Michigan most desperately needs down the stretch to an overwhelmingly pivotal grind.