Gut reactions from a statement win for Michigan basketball over No. 22 Xavier

Michigan basketball had looked really good through six games this season, at least compared to the past few years, but on Wednesday night, the Wolverines showed just how dangerous they can be.

In a game against another top-40 team in the Kenpom rankings, Michigan basketball dominated Xavier. The game was competitive for a half or so, but the Wolverines overwhelmed the Musketeers in the second half with their defense, 3-point shooting, size, and sheer skill in a 78-53 win.

Danny Wolf was incredible. He had three turnovers but you'll forget all about those watching him create shots for others and himself. The backdoor pass to Roddy Gayle in the first half was a great example of a play that could have been a turnover.

Instead, it was a slam dunk. it was that kind of night. Wolf scored 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting (4-of-5 from 3-point range) while grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out three assists. His playmaking ability is impressive for a 7-footer and all those who wondered if Wolf and Vlad Goldin could play togeher were silenced against Xavier.

The 7-footers dominated. Goldin opened the game with a 3-pointer and finished with 18 points and five rebounds. He made 7-of-9 from the field and also contributed with two blocks. Michigan had just nine turnovers, allowed just seven offensive rebounds, and shot 11-of-22 from 3-point range.

It was the perfect recipe for a blowout. The game was tightening in the second half when Wolf scored on a take, then found Trey Donaldson for a transition 3-pointer. From that point on, Michigan controlled things.

Xavier cut the lead to nine points, then eight at 59-51. Michigan responded with a 16-0 run. Goldin scored six points. Tre Donaldson had five and freshman L.J. Cason sparked it with a triple.

The Wolverines got a probable quadrant-1 victory and it's going to look good on the resume down the road. Here are the gut reactions from the first statement win under Dusty May.

Gut Reactions to Michigan basketball win over Xavier

• Michigan basketball is fun again.

• Danny Wolf had his best game as a Wolverine. He looked like a First-Team All-Big Ten selection.

• Vlad Goldin was finally Vlad Goldin. He helped set the tone and also help put the game away.

• This a really good defensive team. Better than I expected in Dusty May's first season.

• Not to overreact, but this team can make some noise in the Big Ten title race.

• Tre Donaldson continues to give Michigan outstanding production. He's probably been Michigan's most important player so far this season.

• Michigan's 7-footers impacted the game in a big way on defense. Xavier shot just 35 percent on 2s. They also had just six assists on 20 field goals.

• The Wolverines shot 48 percent on 2-point attempts. They also had assists on 17 of 30 baskets. That tells you about their ball movement and also the unwillingness to froce a bad shot.

• You can see why Kenpom likes Michigan so much. This team is the real deal.

• Dusty May is amazing.

• Go Blue and Happy Thanksgiving!