Michigan Basketball: 3 takeaways from win over UNC Asheville

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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 07: Drew Pember #4 of the UNC Asheville Bulldogs shoots a free throw during the second half of a college game against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on November 07, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 99-74. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

3. Drew Pember saved face after foul trouble throughout

The Bulldog finished with a team-high 19, with almost a point a minute. He tallied three from deep and proved why he is the returning Big South player of the year. He also got called with four fouls, three of which came in the first half and the fourth occurred just minutes into the second 20 minutes of play.

Pember had a career-high in points versus a power-five club. As mentioned during the broadcast, Pember is on the NBA’s radar and this will only help his stock. It will also help Michigan’s defense learn from its mistakes in the long run. They had him bottled up because of the fouls, but Pember figured it out and regrouped by not fouling out.

Don’t mistaken Michigan Basketball playing Mid-Majors with having an easy first week. UNC-Asheville is experienced and 6’11 Drew Pember could play in the Big Ten. Youngstown State lost just 10 games last year and has one of the oldest teams in the nation, thanks to the portal.
— Vannzee (@thevannzee) November 7, 2023

Pember gets another shot at a brand name in December when they square off with Auburn. Michigan hosts Youngstown State on Friday before traveling to the world’s most famous arena next Monday.

Next. Gut reactions to Michigan basketball win. dark

Youngstown State was on the precipice of the NCAA tournament but wound up failing in the NIT, just like the Wolverines.

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