Michigan has the best defense in college basketball.
Chris Peterson wrote in his piece, More mind-blowing stats for top-ranked Michigan basketball, “Michigan basketball has the No. 1 adjusted defensive efficiency and that the gap between the Wolverines and the No. 2 team is 4.7, which is the largest gap that has ever existed in the Kenpom rankings dating back to 1997.” In the Villanova game on December 9th, this continued, as evidenced by Michigan holding Nova to 12/25 from 2 and 10/37 from 3.
But Michigan’s own hot shooting cooled, particularly from 3 where they shot 27%. Against Rutgers they had 45%, and 48% versus the Zags, 40% versus Auburn, and 37% versus SDSU. Generally, if your shot isn’t falling, defense becomes an afterthought. But not this team.
In the post-game press conference, Michigan Coach Dusty May said, “Shots aren’t determining our defensive energy. A lot of times it’s human nature that when you’re making shots, your defensive energy is better. We continued to value [defense] over whether or not the shots are going.”
He explained that even if shots weren’t being made, the energy was still high.
“I thought we shot poorly tonight,” May stated. “I thought we had great looks that hit the back of the rim. For us to win at this margin against Villanova … is a testament to how our offense isn’t dictating our defense.”
The game went from competitive to over when Michigan was only up by eight in the first half. It was 24-16 when the Wolverines went on a 15-0 run, playing solid, switching, harassing defense. None of the five defensive possessions featured steals or blocks. Just “want-to” defense:
- A long possession then a missed deep straightaway 3. Rebounded by Michigan.
- Exact same as above.
- Will Tschetter shuts down a baseline drive forcing a pass and a hurried shot from the lane off the front of the rim because of Morez Johnson’s presence. Rebounded by Michigan.
- A half-hearted drive to the basket on LJ Cason has Tschetter helping by jumping with both hands straight up, forcing a wild lefty heave high off the backboard. Rebounded by Michigan.
- An unexpected Roddy Gayle, Jr., double team deep in the front court forces a bullet pass into the front row. Turnover.
Before May’s post-game remarks, Aday Mara was asked about how they managed to win despite shooting poorly at the beginning. He said, “Play great defense and it’ll make you feel better to play better offense.”