Some Michigan basketball fans might choose to be discouraged after the first three games of the season, especially the past two.
But with the right perspective, Michigan's 3-0 start looks really impressive. It also reinforces just how good this team can be, or at least the fact that it has a very high floor.
I doubt there's anyone who would look at the past two games and say that Michigan played anywhere near its best basketball.
Yet, the game is about more than scoring and making shots. The Wolverines scored 121 points in the opener. They have also found ways to beat a pair of top-100 teams, including one true road game.
Here are some gut reactions to Michigan basketball's 67-63 win over TCU.
An ugly game
Both teams averaged less than a point-per-possession. Neither team shot the ball well. Michigan shot 31 percent from 3-point range. TCU 29.2.
Starting the game with three bigs, Michigan's offense was clunky. Eventually, Dusty May went away from it in the second half and the offense found a better rhythm.
Defense and rebounding won the game, though. Make no mistake about that. The Wolverines rebounded 56 percent of their misses. That's a hard number to overcome, but Michigan basketball did turn it over on 32 percent of its possessions.
Playing with a smaller lineup, it seemed better in the second half. But turnovers have been an issue in back-to-back games, which isn't that hard to understand when you are playing two centers.
The three big lineup needs to go
Down the stretch, Michigan head coach Dusty May went just one center, with Yaxel Lendeborg as the four, and that seems like the Wolverines best lineup.
Lendeborg had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. It wasn't the prettiest game but his defense was gritty and helped locked down a win.
Trey McKenney played well. He made a big 3-pointer in the second half. Nimari Burnett and Roddy Gayle were also on the floor for key moments, such as when the Wolverines were up two but facing a defensive possession.
Lendeborg locked down on defense. The entire team did really. TCU barely hit the rim, and Michigan was able to win the game with defense, just like it did against Wake Forest. The Horned Frogs shot just 37 percent and were held to just 28 points in the second half.
These wins are good signs
Michigan has struggled offensively in the last two games. Yet, the Wolverines have been able to lean on their defense. Imagine if they start shooting the way they did against Oakland.
Dusty May will figure out the best lineup. Michigan will make more shots and the offense will get there. The fact that the defense spearheaded a second straight win is a good sign.
When the offense figures it out, watch out. For, just be happy that Michigan is 3-0.