Michigan Basketball: 3 things we learned in loss to Minnesota

Michigan basketball’s momentum was derailed by an underrated Minnesota team in a costly fashion. The Wolverines lost 75-65 at Crisler Center. This loss marks the worst start for the program since the 2014 season, which ended in a 16-16 season.

Wow, when we think Michigan takes a step forward the Wolverines take two steps back. Michigan basketball opened up this game as a 13.5 point favorite, at home against a team that had just been blown out by Michigan State, and U-M ended up losing by 10.

Michigan, however, did not turn the ball over much this game. This was the first game where the Wolverines did not have double-digit turnovers! Yet, Minnesota only tuned the ball over four times compared to Michigan’s eight.

There are plenty of things we learned, so let’s talk about them.

1. This is not a tournament team

While it may be tough and hard for some people to fathom the possibility of the mighty Wolverines not making March Madness, it’s a true reality. Even if this team does make the tournament, we’re looking at an 8-12 seeded Michigan team with not much going for it.

While it’s still very early in the season and there is more than enough talent to make a deep run, it just does not seem likely. My optimism for the Michigan basketball team has been replaced by pessimism.

I think a best-case scenario for the Wolverines is not making the tournament at all, it’d be a hard reality check for Juwan Howard and company. I think Michigan competing for an NIT Tournament spot at this point and time would be the best thing for it.