Michigan Basketball: Grading Wolverines win vs Ohio State

Guards

Mike Smith: A

You had to be really impressed with the way that Mike Smith handled himself but it wasn’t a surprise. He’s played well all year and even though people questioned whether he could play in the Big Ten, he more than held his own.

He finished just 3-for-9 from the field, yet he connected on two 3-pointers, turned the ball over just one time and dished out seven assists. He’s just a magician out of ball screens and teams have to respect his shot.

Michigan only turned the ball over seven times and that’s the kind of production you need to win in the NCAA tournament.

Eli Brooks: B

It was hard to grade Brooks because he really struggled on the defensive end. Duane Washington did hit some shots but Brooks allowed him to get to the bucket a little too easily on a few occasions and that was disappointing.

However, Brooks made up for that with a spectacular day on the other end with 17 points and three made 3-pointers. He scored on a cut to the basket right before half and then again late in the game to help Michigan put it away.

It seems like no matter what, whether it’s on offense, defense, or however, Brooks always finds a way to make a positive contribution and it was great to see the senior win in Columbus.