Michigan Basketball: 3 Takeaways, grades from win over Tarleton State

Michigan basketball knocked off Tarleton State Wednesday night but it wasn’t pretty and here are three takeaways, as well as grades for the Wolverines. 

Michigan basketball notched a 65-54 win over Tarleton State on Wednesday night in the Crisler Center but the game didn’t go as expected.

Following an ugly loss to Arizona on Sunday, a sharper effort was expected from the Wolverines but it was even more sloppy. Michigan finished with 20 turnovers and had a turnover rate of 30 percent.

Late in the game, Tarleton actually had the lead down to three with a few minutes left. Hunter Dickinson and Moussa Diabate used home high-low action to finish off the Texans but it was a worrisome night and here are three takeaways, followed by grades.

Moussa needs to start

I understand why Brandon Johns is starting and why he might continue to start, but it’s clear that Moussa Diabate is the best four on this team.

For whatever reason, Johns has never lived up to his potential at Michigan and after a promising stretch during the NCAA tournament last year, there were high hopes for his play.

Yet, things have been a disappointment. Johns played just 12 minutes in the win and while his defense wasn’t bad, he can’t do what Diabate can do.

Obviously, you’d have to worry about his attitude coming off the bench but Diabate has to play more minutes at least if he’s not starting because, after his second 14-point effort in three games, it’s clear he’s got to be playing 25-30 minutes a night.