Michigan Basketball: Grading win vs Spartans, looking ahead to rematch
Michigan basketball clinched the Big Ten title by defeating Michigan State Saturday and here are the grades for that one, as well as a look ahead.
After suffering its worst loss of the season against Illinois, Michigan basketball didn’t have much time to rebound as Michigan State came to town just two days later.
The Wolverines needed one win in their last two games, both against MSU and with the game in East Lansing tomorrow, it was critical that Michigan basketball win on Thursday night, which it did with a spectacular defensive effort.
The Spartans scored just 50 points, had one player in single figures, and didn’t make a single 3-point shot, as well as managed just .75 points per possession.
The 19-point win wasn’t perfect, but you don’t have to win pretty against Michigan State, you just have to win and now the Wolverines are Big Ten champs. Looking back here are the grades and once we get through those, we’ll look ahead to Sunday’s rematch.
Bigs
Hunter Dickinson: B+
Dickinson had too many turnovers (6) but other than that, he was exactly what Michigan needed. Foul trouble limited him some late in the first half, but he still went 6-for-8 from the field and wound up scoring 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Michigan State just doesn’t have anyone big enough to handle Dickinson. He has dominated those matchups all year long and he did again.
Austin Davis: D
Austin Davis really didn’t contribute a ton in this game. He actually didn’t attempt a field goal and was fouled on his only shot. He made one free throw for one point. He was a foul machine on defense, picking up eight in five minutes. He also didn’t grab any rebounds, which is unlike him.
Brandon Johns: B
It was one of those nights where Johns was ready and made a positive contribution for the Wolverines in nine minutes. Johns made both of his shots from the field and also hit twice from the line for six points. Johns also grabbed an offensive rebound and when he’s focused, he’s a solid defender. Yet, he did pick up two fouls and also had a turnover.