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Gut reactions: Michigan basketball loss to Texas Tech

By Chris Peterson

Nov 24, 2023; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard reacts during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Imperial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2023; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard reacts during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Imperial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan looked like a team that ran out of gas after playing its fourth game of the week. Here are the gut reactions to the loss to Texas Tech. 

It would have been great for Michigan basketball to notch a second win in three days, but unlike on Thursday, the Wolverines didn’t have it in them to rally from a first-half double-digit deficit.

The trip to the Bahamas can’t be characterized as a total disaster after the win over Stanford on Thursday night, but it was a rough three days.

It felt like Michigan basketball was behind for most of the 120 minutes they were on the floor. The defense was bad. It was better against the Red Raiders but then the shots didn’t fall. U-M shot 50 percent at the free throw line, 30 percent from 3-point range, and 41 percent overall.

Texas Tech had an 11-point advantage at the charity stripe, which was in part due to multiple technical fouls. Juwan Howard even got ejected when he wasn’t the head coach.

Michigan is now 4-3 on the season. They have two wins over high-major teams and two losses. We still have a lot to learn about this team and a trip to Oregon awaits next weekend.

Here are the gut reactions.

Gut reactions to Michigan basketball loss to Texas Tech

  • Nimari Burnett had a tough night against one of his old teams. He only made one triple and missed a few chances that he normally converts.
  • Dug McDaniel took way too long to get going and still had one run of five straight makes sandwiched between seven straight misses. He’s come back to Earth a little bit. He’s still off to a great start.
  • Tarris Reed is better at the line. He took himself out of the game with fouls though and he’s Michigan’s only true rim protector.
  • The 3-point defense was much better.
  • It will be interesting to see when Juwan returns.
  • Michigan basketball continues to be a huge disappointment on defense.
  • Olivier Nkamhoua had another good night with 17 points and five boards. He needs to be more impactful on defense though.
  • After a hot start, this team looks more like we expected.
  • Go Blue!
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