If Michigan basketball is going to keep playing this well, the Big Ten might need to invest in a mercy rule.
With just under eight minutes left, Michigan was leading Rutgers 85-47. Maybe once the lead hits 40, there should be a running clock, like some high school leagues.
Not to tempt fate or anything, but that's how dominant Michigan basketball has been. The last four games have been laughers, all over by the end of the first half, let alone the second.
After a week off, third-ranked Michigan missed its first seven 3-point attempts Saturday. But the Wolverines were so dominant defensively, and in the paint, it didn't matter.
Oh, and the 3-pointers started falling. Michigan made 11 of its next 17. When this team does that, it's nearly impossible to lose. It would feel like the Wolverines weren't even trying if their defensive effort wasn't so incredible.
That's still the most impressive thing about this team and why they are ranked No. 1 via Kenpom. Michigan has the No. 12 adjusted offense. That's stellar. But it has the No. 1 adjusted defenisve rating by a wide margin.
Michigan beat a Gonzaga team by 40 that just beat Kentucky by 30. At one point, Michigan was scoring 1.48 points per possession. Rutgers was at 0.77. That's insane for a Big Ten conference game.
The only drama was whether or not Michigan would reach 100. It did in the third straight game for the first time since 1989. Here are the gut reactions to a 101-60 win.
Morez Johnson dominated
It feels like there should be another word for how he played. Johnson was suffocating on defense. His length and athleticism are a problem. That's why he will be a first-round pick. He also made 9-of-11 shots and scored 22 points in 24 minutes. His effort included two made 3-pointers, four rebounds (two on offense), three steals, and a block. He should be talked about more.
Elliot Cadeau has been elite
It's easy to forget about Elliot Cadeau. However, the Michigan basketball point guard has been everything Dusty May could have wanted and more. Against Rutgers, he had 11 points, nine assists, and zero turnovers.
In the last five games, Cadeau has five turnovers. He's shooting 37 percent from 3-point range, taking care of the ball, getting the ball up the floor, and is every bit the playmaker he was advertised as being.
Shooting isn't a weakness
Michigan basketball made 13 3-pointers in the win. Seven players made at least one. Four made multiple shots beyond the arc. Yaxel Lendeborg hit three. Johnson made two. Winters Grady came off the bench and buried two treys, while Trey McKenney hit three.
Michigan has made 51 in the last four games. If this team keeps shooting like that it will win the national championship. It should be No. 1 on Monday. Nobody can say otherwise with a straight face.