There aren't many teams with five quadrant-1 wins but Michigan basketball is one of them after a 70-67 win over Indiana on Saturday at Assembly Hall.
As with many Michigan basketball games this season, including each of the last four wins, it felt like this could and should have been easier. The Wolverines led by as many 17 points but still needed to hold up defensively on a few different possessions in the final minutes where Indiana could have tied or taken the lead.
Yet, give Michigan credit where credit is due.
Trey Donaldson converted some huge buckets down the stretch including a driving layup that put the Wolverines up four. Danny Wolf also scored a key 3-point play in the last 90 seconds and had a key assist to Vlad Goldin too. He also made four clutch free throws to help put the game away. Five clutch free throws if you count the 3-point play with 1:25 left to put the Wolverines up by five.
Indiana still had opportunities but Michigan found a way to string together some stops when needed. That was all encouraging. The Wolverines still need to play better with the lead and put teams away or this is a scenario we could see unfolding in the NCAA tournament.
Michigan is nearly a lock for the big dance at this point. Wolf led the Wolverines with 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists in their 18th win the of season. Donaldson also had 18, while Goldin matched that total (18 points, eight rebounds).
Here are the gut reactions to another road win -- the fifth of Big Ten play.
Gut reactions to win over Indiana
- The second half wasn't pretty but give Michigan credit for executing in the final two minutes. U-M kept its composure when it mattered most.
- That being said, Michigan basketball has to start playing better with the lead. Four of its five losses have come after blowing a first-half lead.
- If Michigan can bottle up how it played in the first half, it will win the Big Ten title.
- Michigan State is also 10-2, but if Michigan wins on Tuesday against Purdue (at home), it will be in first place. That tells you all you need to know about this season. (It's been a resounding success).
- The Purdue game is going to be crazy.
- Dusty May made the right move sitting Roddy Gayle.
- I love seeing Michigan win in Assembly Hall and I wouldn't worry at all about Dusty May. He's a Michgan Wolverine.
- Go Blue!