The Michigan Wolverines are one of the first teams in the NCAA Tournament through to the second round after a thrilling victory over Colorado State on Thursday afternoon, but it was by no means easy. The Wolverines trailed by as many as 15 at one point, but as head coach Juwan Howard pointed out, his squad got back to the basics and focused on where they thrived the most all year: In the paint.
“Get back to our habits,” the Michigan coach told CBS’s Jamie Erdahl. “You know, defensively, we had to do a better job against the three-point line. We also offensively had to take our time, we gave them too many possessions. Nine turnovers, as well as overall, we were just — it sped us up. What’s been our meat and potatoes is our inside-play. Our guys really rallied together, led by Hunter Dickinson.”
@JamieErdahl speaks with @umichbball Head Coach Juwan Howard following the Wolverines’ victory: pic.twitter.com/EvJJ0GZFOE
— March Madness Men’s Basketball TV (@MM_MBB_TV) March 17, 2022
Turnovers killed Michigan in the first half, committing nine of them through the first 12 minutes but they really cleaned that up in the second. The clear difference-maker was their ability to dominate inside as Howard mentioned, outrebounding Colorado State 35-24 and outscoring them a whopping 34-16. Wolverines big man Hunter Dickinson was an absolute force, pouring in 21 points and grabbing six rebounds to lead the way, while three other starters finished in double-figures.
Missing guard Devante' Jones was a huge loss for Michigan, but they managed to fight back and claw their way into the Round of 32. Now, the Wolverines await the winner of Tennessee and Longwood, with the Volunteers currently one of the favorites to come out of the South Region when it's all said and done.
Follow Us
Subscribe