Michigan returned to the victory column a few days before Christmas, rising to 9-3 overall after defeating Purdue Fort Wayne 89-58.
As my colleague Kyle Yost stated in the preview story, this is not your normal cupcake game. Purdue Fort Wayne was picked to tie for first in the Horizon League preseason poll, features a top-100 offense on KenPom with a 56.7 percent eFG rate, and returns the majority of its core from the previous season.
That being said, Michigan was coming off back-to-back defeats to Arkansas and Oklahoma, and they needed a bounce-back game to regain their mojo before the holidays. They did just that, with lights-out shooting and great defense resulting in a relatively stress-free beatdown.
Here are some takeaways from the victory.
Getting off to a quick start thanks to hot shooting
In big games like this one, it’s critical to jump out to a fast start and create an early lead to break the underdog’s spirit and keep the visiting team at bay. The Wolverines got off to a fast start in this game, going on a 14-2 run over five minutes, aided by strong defense, to take an early 17-4 lead.
Michigan was able to maintain a 15-20-point advantage for the majority of the half thanks to some excellent shooting. In the first half, the Wolverines made 21 of their first 27 shots (83 percent) and nine of their first 12 threes (75 percent), including an 11-for-12 streak midway through. Michigan finished the game with 63 percent from the field and 48 percent from three.
According to Brian Boesch on the radio broadcast simulcast on B1G+, Michigan had three runs of 7-0 or greater in the first half. Hot shooting and excellent defense contributed significantly to this outcome.
Michigan’s defense gets back on track
Speaking of defense, after revealing holes in recent weeks, the Wolverines tightened up in this one, refusing to let the Mastodons back into the game after taking a double-digit lead.
Michigan closed out well on shooters, rotated efficiently on the help side, and forced numerous turnovers. The Wolverines also recorded three steals and four blocks, never allowing Purdue Fort Wayne to get comfortable. Many of those takeaways resulted in easy transition buckets for the Wolverines, who scored 12 fast-break points.
The hot shooting is the big lesson from this game, but Michigan’s defense was excellent. Michigan ranked 23rd in defense on KenPom entering the game, and it verified that ranking.
Michigan keeps scoring balanced
But as has been the case in all of Michigan’s wins this season, the scoring was incredibly balanced. Ten Michigan players saw the floor in the first half, and all of them had at least three points in the first 20 minutes.
Donaldson played exceptionally well, going to the basket and shooting the ball well for 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting in the first half. He led the Wolverines in scoring (16 points), but Vlad Goldin (13 points, three rebounds), Roddy Gayle Jr. (12 points, six rebounds), Nimari Burnett (10 points), and Justin Pippen (10 points) all scored in double figures.
It was encouraging to see Michigan have an all-around strong offensive game heading into the Christmas break.
Turnovers are still a problem
As enjoyable as this victory was, it is still worrying how frequently this squad hands the ball over. Michigan committed 16 turnovers, including 11 in the first half, one more than the Wolverines had in the Oklahoma loss.
Some of it was due to general sloppiness and carelessness with a large lead, but 12 games in, it’s still alarming that this remains a weakness in Michigan’s defense. Their New Year’s resolve must focus upon cleaning those up.
A freshman check-in
Both Justin Pippen and L.J. Cason played significant minutes in this game.
Pippen had his best game in a Michigan uniform. He was a little too steal-friendly on defense, but he made half of his shots and finished with a career-high 10 points, two assists, and zero turnovers. He didn’t appear like a freshman, moving the ball effectively and making sound decisions with the ball in his hands.
Cason, who hasn’t played in the last few games due to DNP-Coach’s Decisions against Arkansas and Oklahoma, came in when Pippen was called for his second foul in the first half. The Florida native swiftly shook off the rust, nailing a three from the wing in his first minute back on the court. He ended with five points.
Durral Brooks also entered the game during garbage time and shown his excellent defensive skills.
Games like this are important for the young guards to gain experience, as Michigan will undoubtedly need them in conference play and beyond.
