The Michigan Wolverines played inspired basketball Wednesday night, as they beat Rutgers 71-62 at home. After the game, interim coach Phil Martelli was asked what message he hopes Juwan Howard received from the team's performance. Martelli's response was filled with emotion and thoughtfulness.

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Martelli responded “that he's loved, and his love for the players allowed them to perform like that.” The former St. Joe's head coach apparently spoke with Howard on Tuesday night, as the Michigan head man instilled confidence in Martelli.

During Sunday's loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, Michigan coach Juwan Howard exchanged tense words with Badgers coach Greg Gard during the handshake line. Things then escalated from there and Howard was seen swiping with an open hand at the face of a Wisconsin assistant coach.

Howard was fined $40,000 and suspended for the rest of the Wolverines season.

The Badgers held a double digit lead with 15 seconds remaining and called a timeout. The Michigan coach took exception to that. As more videos surfaced of the incident, Gard is seen with his hand on Howard's arm. That is reportedly what escalated the situation. Players then got involved, as the scene became a borderline brawl.

Michigan players Terrance Williams II and Moussa Diabate were both suspended for Wednesday's game for their actions.