Michigan Basketball: Wolverines keep rolling by humbling Hoosiers

Michigan basketball cruised to another easy victory for the second time this week despite an injury scare from Isaiah Livers.

The Wolverines opened up the floodgates in the second half to even up their record at 7-7 in the Big Ten. They are climbing up the conference ladder to work their way out of the basement with the postseason lurking right around the corner. Heading into a week where they’ll be away from Crisler for both contests, Michigan basketball currently sits ninth in the latest standings.

Jon Teske and Zavier Simpson etched their names in Michigan basketball history on Sunday. The two now sit alone at the top of duos for the most wins with 105 and the chance to lengthen that feat with what is left. For the outcome itself, Teske did a little better today than he’s been doing lately, but Simpson was the catalyst once again. He put in a balanced effort on the stat sheet. His ability to get others involved was the key to finding his teammates for open shots all day long.

Simpson’s stellar play paved the way for 53 percent on 9-17 from deep. The defense continues to be the straw that stirs the drink during this winning streak. Indiana only hit three of its 12 attempts from beyond the arc. Their best player, Trayce Jackson-Davis, couldn’t find any success in one of his worst performances to date. Just five points for a guy who averages 14 is very telling how the afternoon went for the Hoosiers.

Inside the paint, Michigan basketball basically doubled-up the Hoosiers on the boards. The Wolverines enjoyed a 27-14 edge on the defensive end, which led to so many fastbreak opportunities for the Wolverines to cash in on.

That meant they were able to dish out 10 more assists because of it. 11 of which came from the aforementioned Simpson. Teske, on the other hand, blocked four of Michigan’s six blocks that the team had on the Hoosiers.

The program has now won seven straight over Indiana. This classic rivalry has turned one-sided ever since the memorable 2016 Big Ten tourney buzzer-beater by Kam Chatman. One can argue that the Hoosiers haven’t been the same since that moment. Archie Miller and staff will have to search for answers if they wish to get Indiana back to prominence. His squad endures one of the most grueling schedules remaining in the Big Ten.

A reunion weekend that saw the likes of Mo Wagner and Derrick Walton return to Ann Arbor didn’t stop there. Michigan Baseball threw out its first pitch of the season and got some payback over Vanderbilt from the College World Series. Michigan Hockey took down the Spartans in convincing fashion and the girl’s Softball crew is off to a perfect 8-0 start to their campaign.