Gut reactions from Michigan Basketball’s win over San Diego State

For the first time all season, Michigan basketball actually looked like Michigan basketball and might have found something in a much-needed win over San Diego State.

Following an embarrassing performance at North Carolina on Wednesday, Michigan basketball looked like an entirely different team Saturday in a win over San Diego State.

Hunter Dickinson, who has struggled at times this season, put together a dominating performance, and while I nearly said it was classic Dickinson — it wasn’t.

The center did dominate down low and was much more active defensively, as well as on the glass. But his jump shot also became a weapon as he drilled all three of his 3-point attempts. He also hit another jumper and made one right before the half to give Michigan the lead at the break.

Dickinson put together a double-double (23 points, 14 rebounds) and pitched in with three steals and a block on the defensive end.

Caleb Houstan also started hot and stayed that way. His confidence seemed to return and as a result of hunting his shot, Houstan scored 17 points on 4-of-5 shooting from deep.

The biggest development, though, was Frankie Collins.

DeVante Jones continued to struggle and it’s painfully obvious that he’s not a Big Ten point guard. Collins could be and certainly looked like he should be starting Saturday, as he did in the second half. He finished with eight points, four rebounds, and three assists, but just one turnover. His defense was also outstanding, as was his decision-making.

San Diego State was well within striking distance, when triples by Terrance Williams, Dickinson, and Houstan put the game out of reach.

Gut reactions from Michigan basketball’s win

• Hunter Dickinson was incredible. If he plays like that, Michigan can compete with anyone.
• Frankie Collins needs to start for the rest of the season.
• Caleb Houstan was hunting his shot — the confidence has returned.
• Hunter wasn’t lying about his jumper.
• I loved what Terrance Williams brought Saturday.
• Michigan finally looked like Michigan.
• The Wolverines won the turnover battle and the 3-point line. Classic Michigan.
• The best defensive effort of the year.
• Michigan’s offense just runs better with Frankie Collins.
• Give credit to Juwan Howard and his staff for adjustments.
• The execution was high level down the stretch — thinking of Houstan’s last 3-ball.
• A good shooting day was badly needed.
• GO BLUE!