Wolverine roundup: Jordan Poole does it again in NBA playoffs

Former Michigan basketball standout Jordan Poole had another stellar outing for the Warriors in the NBA playoffs, plus more in our Wolverine roundup. 

It was a busy weekend for the Wolverines, who had a number of teams in action such as baseball, softball, and both tennis teams which competed in the NCAA Tournament over the weekend.

Yet, we start with former Michigan basketball star Jordan Poole in the NBA playoffs. Golden State dropped game two earlier this week, a loss that saw Poole score 20 points, even though he made just 1-of-6 3-point attempts.

Last night, the series returned to California and Poole had another stellar performance for the Warriors pouring in 27 points on 17 shots (11-of-17). He was also 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, as well as grabbing four boards and dishing out two assists.

It was the sixth time Poole went for at least 20 points in his eight NBA playoff games and so far this postseason, he’s averaging 22.8 ppg.

While his raw scoring numbers are impressive, his efficiency has been incredible. He’s shooting 56 percent from the field, 46 percent from 3-point range, and dishing out more than five assists per game. He’s also got better than a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Ja Morant did accuse Poole of injuring him on purpose after Poole hit his knee during a trap. Poole denied the allegation and said that while he hit Morant’s knee it was a basketball move and he was going for the ball.

Morant’s status is up in the air for Game 4 but as long as Poole keeps balling out, even coming off the bench, Golden State is going to be tough to beat.

Michigan men’s tennis advances to Super Regionals

The Michigan tennis teams both advanced to the round of 32 in the NCAA tennis tournaments this weekend and on Saturday, the men’s team advanced to the round of 16 after a 4-0 win over Oklahoma.

The Wolverines didn’t drop a match in the first or second round of the tournament and will take their 24-3 mark into a matchup with Texas. The winner will play Ohio State or USC for a trip to the final four of men’s tennis.

However, the women’s team fell to Texas 4-0, which ended their season.

Michigan softball clinches series against Wisconsin

Alex Storako had another stellar outing as Michigan softball’s starting pitcher with 11 strikeouts and surrendered just one run on two hits in a complete-game victory. Michigan clinched its three-game series with Wisconsin after the 6-1 triumph. Hannah Carson also notched her second consecutive three-hit game for the Wolverines in the win.

Michigan also beat Wisconsin on Friday as Taylor Bump and Audrey LeClair each had three-run home runs. Both managed two hits and four RBIs in the win.

The 23rd-ranked Wolverines will close out the regular season Sunday and open the Big Ten tournament on May 11.

Baseball drops second game to Indiana

After a win on Friday over the Indiana Hoosiers, Michigan built a 5-2 lead Saturday thanks to a three-run double by Matt Frey. However, the Wolverines weren’t able to hold the lead as Indiana plated one in the fifth, as well as three in the seventh and ninth innings to win 9-5.

Michigan baseball needs every win it can get right now as it attempts to qualify for the NCAA tournament. There are just three Big Ten teams projected in the field and the Wolverines aren’t one of them or among the last teams out according to Baseball of America’s projections.

U-M will host Indiana Sunday in search of a series win. It will also play Rutgers and Maryland, the two best Big Ten teams to close out the regular season, so there is time to improve the resume but making the NCAA Tournament might require winning the Big Ten tournament.

Michigan is fifth in the Big Ten right now with a record of 10-7, as well as an overall mark of 24-19.