Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from the massacre of Maryland

Following the disaster to Central Michigan last Thursday night, the maize and blue regrouped with an ultra-stellar performance over Maryland.

Michigan basketball hopped into the new year with a tremendous start. Their opponent, Maryland, did not, however. It took the Terps eight minutes to make their first 3-pointer and 13 and a half minutes for their initial 2-pointer on the scoreboard. It was 44-13 at the half. In the second stanza, Michigan basketball held serve and disposed of Maryland by 35.

Here are the three takeaways.

1. Maryland managed just four field goals in the first half

The Terps were stagnant from the outset. They couldn’t muster hardly anything in the first 20 minutes and it killed their chances from then on. They connected on only 18 shots and had a season-low of 46 points in the loss. 33 of their total 46 points, came in the second half alone. A combination of poor shooting and Michigan’s defense ultimately did them in.

That means they only hit on 14 shots in the second 20 minutes. 27% from the field and just 20% from deep. They also committed 24 fouls and sent Michigan to the line 29 times.

Michigan basketball took advantage of Maryland’s giving mood by feeding Hunter Dickinson inside because the Terps had nothing to cool him off with.

Michigan, on the other hand, made 67% of their buckets and led by 31 at intermission. Maryland couldn’t convert any fast break points as Michigan gave them minimal chances to do so. It’s a tape that Michigan will want to replay all week and learn from it, while the Terps will want to burn it as fast as they possibly can.