Michigan Basketball: 3 observations from Wolverines loss to Ohio State
Michigan has to play cleaner
The Wolverines have been doing better in terms of taking care of the basketball and not fouling as much but those have been constant issues and they popped up again versus OSU.
Just like last Saturday’s game against Purdue, Michigan lost the turnover battle. It wasn’t significant (11-8) but Dickinson had three turnovers, as did Frankie Collins who managed to stick on the floor for just eight minutes.
Not only did Ohio State have the edge in turnovers, but it also had a big edge in fouls. Having the lead late helps obviously, but Ohio State outscored U-M by 11 at the charity stripe which was the exact margin of victory.
You aren’t going to avoid every foul. But the Wolverines need to avoid the ticky-tack fouls and need to protect the ball better. It’s simple but effective and Michigan basketball has dominated in those categories for years and U-M has to get back to being efficient in those areas.
Next up is a road trip to Iowa on Thursday, as well as a game against Wisconsin next Sunday. The Wolverines are squarely on the bubble and a road win would be massive.
Next. Top 10 Michigan point guards of all time. dark
Stay tuned.