College basketball is underway, and seventh-ranked Michigan basketball took care of business against Oakland 121-78. It was the most points scored by the Wolverines since 1990, when they scored 127 against Iowa.
Offense: A+
All of the transfers this year had good showings, led by former Illinois forward Morez Johnson Jr. He missed only two shots and was the leading scorer with 24 points. Freshman guard Trey McKenney made his presence felt with 21 points off the bench, including 6-8 from three. The Wolverines shot 64% overall and 54% from three. It was nice to see them hit their free throws, going 12-of-13. It’s been a problem for many years. Michigan basketball went on a 20-0 run for 3:36 and had 69 points at the half, also a program record. They moved the ball well with 29 total assists. Elliot Cadeau, previously at North Carolina, had 12.
Defense: B-
I know it’s the first game of the season, I know Michigan basketball won, and I know it was against Oakland, but I’m not thrilled that Oakland scored 78 points. They shot 42% overall and from three. Out of the eight players that saw the court, four scored double figures. Michigan did have seven blocks, including five from junior center and former UCLA Bruin, Aday Mara. Mara added a game-high 12 rebounds for the Wolverines and had 12 points for a double-double. Oakland turned the ball over 11 times, with three of them being steals.
Coaching: A
Not a lot to say here, again it’s the first game of the season, Michigan did what they were supposed to do. Next is Wake Forest.
Overall Grade: A