Michigan Basketball: 3 things we learned in Wolverines win vs LSU

Brown needs 30 minutes a night

One thing that became clear after the win is that Chaundee Brown needs to play more minutes. He finished with 27 against LSU and he should be closer to 30.

Of course, it’s easier to play someone when they are making shots. Brown was 0-for-1 in the first-round game. Monday, he came out firing and with Livers out, he needs to have that mindset.

In another subtle change, Michigan started attacking the bucket and Brown especially, was able to get himself to the free-throw line six times, making all of them. The graduate transfer from Wake Forest also made three triples and scored a season-high 21 points when it was needed the most.

It’s not shocking, in fact, I said before the game in my predictions that Brown was due for a breakout performance. But if that confidence rolls over to Sunday against Florida State, it would be huge for this team.

If Brown isn’t shooting the ball well, it doesn’t feel like Michigan has enough perimeter shooting to make the Final Four. But when Brown is hitting and Brooks is too, plus Wagner and Dickinson have things going, the absence of Livers doesn’t loom so large.

And the thought running through my head is that if Brown and Brooks keep shooting the ball like that, this Michigan team can win the next four-team tournament.