Michigan Basketball: Gut reactions from ugly win over Tarleton State

Michigan basketball survived against Tarleton State on Wednesday night but the fact that it was a struggle is all you need to know.

Tarleton State wasn’t supposed to be a challenge. Yet, with just a few minutes left, Michigan basketball was stuck in a single possession game with the Texans.

Down the stretch, Hunter Dickinson and Moussa Diabate stepped up and combined for a few key buckets as the Wolverines pulled away for a 65-54 win.

However, many of the same issues plagued the Wolverines — fouls, turnovers, and poor 3-point shooting.

In the first 10 minutes of game action, Michigan had more turnovers than shot attempts. Tarleton State is known for forcing turnovers but being careless with the ball is a major trend.

Caleb Houstan hit twice from 3-point range and made another shot with his foot on the line. He scored 14 points and grabbed 10 boards. Diabate also added 14 points and seven boards, while adding stellar defense too.

It was a win and that’s what matters but the next four games are all going to be tough, starting with next Wednesday at North Carolina, so these issues have to be addressed.

Here are the gut reactions to Michigan basketball’s 65-54 win.

Gut reactions

• Hunter Dickinson played well at the end but otherwise not so much.
• He needs more touches and U-M needs to run more stuff to get the ball into his hands. He also needs to play better and be more active on both ends.
• Moussa will have good nights and bad nights. This was a good night and it was needed.
• It was great to see Caleb hit a few perimeter shots. His foot was on the line on a third 3-point make but he drilled two others. Michigan needs his shooting badly.
• Too much of the offensive burden is falling on Eli Brooks.
• Frankie Collins needs to play more.
• DeVante Jones has been a disappointment. His line — 0 points, 5 turnovers, 2 fouls.
• Some of these turnovers are high school mistakes. The ball-handling isn’t good and Michigan is going to see a lot of on-ball pressure this season.
• Adrien Nunez has no business playing.
• Where the hell was Kobe Bufkin?
• Zeb Jackson could really help this team if he gets healthy.
• Moussa finished the game, not Brandon Johns. Maybe he should start too.
• This team needs to find some sort of identity soon.
• Go Blue.