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Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from a pressing win at Rutgers

By Nick Popio

Feb 23, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) drives to the basket against Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Paul Mulcahy (4) during the first half at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) drives to the basket against Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Paul Mulcahy (4) during the first half at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 23: Dug McDaniel #0 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after sinking a basket against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on February 23, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan defeated Rutgers 58-45. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 23: Dug McDaniel #0 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after sinking a basket against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on February 23, 2023 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan defeated Rutgers 58-45. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

2. Dug McDaniel is emerging rapidly

The freshman point was not in an ideal place once Jaelin Llewelyn went down to injury in December. He took over the starting role and immediately made his presence felt. He poured in 15 points in a win at Minnesota. He’s hit the proverbial freshman wall since then, but is on a roll in this current two game winning streak.

McDaniel has only one turnover in his last two games and he and Kobe Bufkin only combined for two of them in this win. He’s averaging 17 points over the course of the last week and is shooting at a 55% rate. He’s also led the Wolverines in scoring for the second straight time. He and Bufkin are a considerable reason why Michigan has won five of seven at the right time.

As for his backcourt running mate, Bufkin has 107 points since the road win at Northwestern. On Thursday night they did it without Jett Howard in the lineup too. They won’t win any postseason individual awards like Zach Edey or Trayce Jackson-Davis, but this duo is winning now and keeping Michigan’s goals alive with a dim pulse.

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