Michigan Basketball: 3 things we learned in win over Tennessee

Hunter Dickinson was up to the challenge

There was no way that Michigan basketball was going to upset Tennessee without a special performance from Hunter Dickinson and that’s exactly what it got.

The Volunteers came into the game with one of the best 2-point defenses in the country and you could see why. It was a challenge to get Dickinson the ball and the Vols were determined to force other players to make shots — which they did.

Dickinson also did his part, making two 3-pointers as well as another jumper. That was the outlier that Michigan needed since Caleb Houstan didn’t score a point. Then, in the second half, Dickinson was finally able to get the ball inside and he showed off an array of moves and scored almost at will in an 8-of-13 performance that led to 27 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

Brooks and Dickinson combined for 50 points and they both amped up their efforts on defense too. Dickinson was credited with one block but it felt like he had at least three. His rim protection was vital down the stretch and just like the Professor, it’s not a bold statement to say Michigan doesn’t win this game without an elite performance from Dickinson.