Michigan Basketball: Grading Wolverines vs LSU, Women make history

Guards

Eli Brooks: A+

You can’t play a better game than Eli Brooks did Monday night for Michigan basketball. The senior had one of his best games as a Wolverine and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Early on, his 3-point shooting kept the Wolverines in it. Then, he helped get Michigan back to even with another three in the second half. He made five total. His defense was outstanding and when he ran the point, Michigan had two of its best stretches of the game. He’s a senior stepping up in the NCAA Tournament and it’s fun to watch.

More than anyone else, Brooks has stepped up with Livers out and in two NCAA Tournament games, he has made eight 3-pointers.

Mike Smith: D-

This was a rough game for Mike Smith. The defensive matchup for him was always going to be difficult. Smith is just going to have a tough time guarding 6-foot-4 players. Then, he struggled against the press and took some misguided shots. His travel late in the game was a horrendous mistake and Howard was right to pull him.

That being said, Smith knocked down a big 3-pointer which helped make up for the four turnovers he had. Florida State, another really big team, could cause similar problems for Smith and as he did against LSU, Howard needs to not be shy about playing Brooks at the point if needed.