Michigan Basketball: 3 Things we learned in win against Bowling Green

Michigan basketball notched a 14-point win over Bowling Green in the season-opening game Wednesday night and here’s what we learned.

It was hard to know what to expect from the Michigan basketball team as the Wolverines took the floor for the first time this season on Wednesday.

We had an idea of what we’d get from guys like Isaiah Livers, Austin Davis, Franz Wagner and Eli Brooks, guys who all played key roles a season ago and for the most part, those guys did what was expected, outside of Franz, who was slightly disappointing with nine points.

In the grand scheme of things though, the Wolverines performed pretty well against a Bowling Green team that will make noise in the MAC, if not win it. Allowing 82 points wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t shocking especially with Justin Turner on the other side.

Allowing 42 percent shooting from 3-point range isn’t something Michigan basketball can do this season and that will certainly be a focus. But at the same time, the offense was really crisp and the new additions turned in some really good performances.

Mike Smith got the start at point guard and he showed why in a very efficient performance. He played 32 minutes, scored 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting, dished out eight assists, shot eight free throws and had just one turnover.

Chaundee Brown was also special, drilling five 3-pointers on his way to a team-high 19 points off the bench. He made 5-of-7 shots from beyond the arc, also grabbed four boards, dished out three assists and blocked a shot.

It’s safe to say that the newcomers lived up to expectations and we start with what we learned last night with Mike Smith.