Michigan Basketball: Key takeaways from easy win over Northwestern

Michigan basketball dominated Northwestern Sunday night and here are the key takeaways from the Wolverines win.

For the first time this season, Michigan basketball played another team ranked in the top 25 and the Wolverines answered the bell by making mince meat out of Northwestern.

The talk coming in was about the way Northwestern had shot the ball from 3-point range, but it was the Wolverines who went off from deep, making 12-of-27 shots from beyond the arc, while holding Northwestern to just five makes.

Truthfully, U-M dominated on both ends of the floor and here are three immediate takeaways from Michigan basketball’s rout of Northwestern.

Hunter Dickinson does it again

Dickinson was impressive again for the Wolverines leading the team with 19 points but also grabbing three rebounds. He started a little slow offensively but got things going in the second half and even made two mid-range jumpers.

His ability to dominate down low and also pass to create opportunities for others has been spectacular and that was a reason Michigan basketball got so many good looks from deep.

Dickinson led everyone with 19 points but was one of six Michigan basketball players to score in double figures and having a big to run the offense through makes it easier for everyone.

Franz has another big night

For the third straight game, Franz Wagner made at least two 3-point shots and scored at least 14 points, which is what he finished with Sunday. Wagner also grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out five assists, notched two steals and blocked five shots.

It was a tremendous all-around performance and the third such game in a row for Wagner who has quietly started to find his form. In his last three games, Wagner is scoring just under 18 a game and is making 37 percent of his 3-pointers. If that continues, watch out.

By the way, his defense was really good too and has been.

Defense was exceptional

As well as the offense played against Northwestern, Michigan basketball was outstanding on defense and allowed a talented shooting team to make just 20 percent of its 3’s.

A few of those came once the game was decided and the Wolverines did a great job of forcing Northwestern to take tough shots and despite some open looks in ball-screen sets, the execution  was outstanding.

The Wolverines held the Wildcats to 41 percent overall and their length led to eight blocks and four steals in a reminder that this team is about more than just an elite offense and a dominant center.