I don’t think there are words to describe how ugly that game was. If you didn’t see it on TV consider yourself lucky. I think that a combined 11 minute and 44 second field goal drought says enough. The key for Michigan was that Iowa couldn’t make their free throws either. Cyrus Tate was just brutal at the line (10-17) and a lot of those were during the drought.
The player of the game for me is DeShawn Sims. Peedi shot 5 out of 10 (2-5 3pt) for 14 points and 10 rebounds. He took a reasonable number of threes put also got some points inside and in transition. Not to mention a career high 10 rebounds for the double double. Manny of course had an outstanding game (although he is still learning shot selection) pouring in 19 points and 3 assists. Only 12 turnovers as well, one of which was letting the shot clock run out in the last minute.
DeShawn Sims in the interview room after the game is a definetely a little painful. He mentions coaches preparing the team well as well as playing tenacious defense. Not quite sure why Ronnie is in the interview room, maybe it was his 3 rebounds. Beilein steps in on the question of the drought, says that the team watches the margin (“the diff“) and not worried about how long they haven’t scored.
One note: Iowa’s Jake Kelly (Douglass’ former teammate) had 11 points and if Stu has that kinda game he can definetely contribute next year.
Onto Wisconsin tomorrow. Michigan played them tough even while getting out shot (44%-37%), only shooting 4 FTs, and only having 7 assists and Sims only shooting 4-19. However Manny had one of his best games of the year posting 26 points (11-19 shooting) and 6 rebounds.
To stay in the game with Wisconsin we can’t have those kind of droughts and we need to play defense the way we did today. The way we played in the first half, shooting around 45% I think we can at least stay in games. When we got 20 minutes shooting 27% thats when we are in trouble because good teams like Wisconsin will punish you for that.
UMHoops Prediction: Wisconsin 72 – Michigan 64. I think the season ends tomorrow but it was definetely good to at least get a win.
Note: Novak answers after we lose. I’m saving it for you guys. I’m going to miss the game tomorrow but leave some in game comments. Go blue and pull the upset!
The first time around Iowa embarrassed Michigan at home, the second time Michigan pulled off a gutty road win. Some in the media even went as far as proclaiming that Michigan had turned the corner after the Iowa win and excitement ran surprisingly high (for a team so far under 500). The Iowa win coupled with the Ohio State home win were the bright point of the season and showed that just maybe this team can play a little ball. However a disappointing finish has reminded Wolverine fans that there is still a long ways to go.
Cyrus Tate is averaging 14 points and 7 boards his last 5 games and has came into his own the last half of the season. Freeman killed Michigan at Crisler but was pretty much a non-factor in the second game against Grady. Grady had one of his better games of the year at Iowa with 7 points and 9 assists.
For Michigan it’s the same story: Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims. If only one of them has a good offensive game it has proven very hard for Michigan to win. The backcourt needs to take care of the ball, this wasn’t a huge problem all year (Manny struggled but overall numbers were down) but against Purdue the ball handling was atrocious. It has been a long season and I really don’t have a clue what this teams mind set is right now. They sound somewhat conceded but also make statements that they “want to win it for Beilein”. Hard to get a good read.
Tommy Amaker teams you always had a pretty good idea that they would lay an egg in the Big Ten Tournament. Beilein on the other hand is clearly known as a tournament coach including a run to the Big East final in 2005. Not to mention that the Mountaineers played in the 8/9 game that year. This team clearly doesn’t have the firepower to make that kind of run but it would be good to see them at least get this win over Iowa. A win over Iowa and a solid effort against Wisconsin could do a lot for momentum into next year. It would certainly leave a much better taste than losing 5 of the last 6 to mostly bottom tier Big Ten teams.
Unfortunately I just don’t see Michigan pulling this one out. I think this team is beat up physically and mentally doesn’t have it in the tank to beat Iowa. Hopefully the prove me wrong and play some inspired ball. UMHoops Prediction: Michigan 60 – Iowa 65.
A couple quick notes. For anyone trying to keep up with the game that is at work or doesn’t get Big Ten Network, I’ll be watching and myself and others could post updates/comments during the game to help you folks out. Secondly, Novak’s answers to everyones most peoples questions should go up tomorrow night so be sure to check back.
The All Big Ten teams were announced tonight on the Big Ten Network and as expected there were not many Michigan names on the list. Manny Harris was named to the 2nd and freshman teams by both the coaches and media. This is a pretty reasonable spot for Manny and there is not really anyone I would swap him with on the first or third teams. The all-freshman team consists of Moore, Manny, Gordon, Hummel, and Koufos. The “snub” that we will be hearing about I am sure is Kalin Lucas from MSU. However Moore’s slightly better numbers and playing on a better team make him deserving for the honor in my opinion.
Ekpe Udoh made the all-defensive team but I think he could make a case for defensive player of the year. Ekpe averaged 2.9 blocks per game and .8 steals but again I can see giving the nod to Kramer for playing on the far better defensive team overall.
Other Michigan players honored were DeShawn Sims getting honorable mention notice from the coaches and Ron Coleman with the sportsmanship award. Congrats to all the Michigan players honored, you can check out the full teams here.
What a fitting way to end the season. All year there have been spurts of good play that are ruined by 5 or 10 minutes of terrible play. Michigan outplayed Purdue for over 30 minutes today and then let it all fall apart down the end.
Some notable numbers:
- Ekpe had 13 points and 9 boards but he only had 1 rebound in the second half. 13 points, 9 boards, 3 blocks and 6 assists is a damn good night for Mr. Udoh.
- Manny had 7 turnovers and no assists. Grady had 5 turnovers and 5 assists. Ekpe Udoh had 6 assists and 1 turnover.
- Purdue shot a miserable 26% in the first half but heated up in the second shooting 58%.
- Purdue was 8-18 shooting the long ball while Michigan was 7 of 26. Yikes
- Michigan outrebounded Purdue 41-33 which is hard to believe from watching the game.
DeShawn Sims finally brought his a-game with 19 points and 6 boards. He needs to bring it every night next year for this team to have a chance at being good. Although he still plays lazy at times it was good to see him take it to the hole a couple times. Mental lapses and lazy defense (did anyone see him just hug a Purdue player instead of fighting through a pick?) still plague Peedi but he always does enough to remind you how talented he is. Manny struggled and had one of his worst games of the year. He never really could get into it after the early foul trouble but 7 turnovers in 25 minutes is scary. Kelvin Grady is really killing this team by not being a scoring threat on the court. A bunch of times he would penetrate and make ridiculous passes to a Boilermaker, no one, or the sidelines. Laval Lucas-Perry will be a huge boost for this backcourt next year.
It is peculiar that this is the first time turnovers have been a big problem for this team. We all remember the talk about the basketball fundamental drills at the start of the year. Well they were clearly absent to tonight. The number of sloppy turnovers (24) was just startling. The stretch that lost the game was a series of sloppy turnovers and big time three point shooting.
Tough loss but we have gotten used to them this year. Michigan plays Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament 8-9 game on Thursday.
Michigan goes for the upset on Senior Night in Ann Arbor today. We all know that it’s been a long season but a couple wins down the stretch against Purdue and in the Big Ten Tournament could provide some momentum for next year.
The first game against Purdue was actually closer than expected as Michigan stayed in the game through most of the second half (boxscore). Grant went wild shooting threes in the first contest and that was the game changer. Michigan got 25 from Manny and 15 from DeShawn and not much else from anyone. I like to think that our role players have improved a bit so maybe we can get more from the bench and other starters.
It’s senior night for Ron Coleman. By this point Ronnie is what he is and he seems like a good kid who just didn’t have enough skill to make an impact on this level. The painful part was finding that out year after year. Hopefully Ronnie can go out and have a big game to cap off his career at Crisler.
As mentioned, Justin Watts will be in the house. It would be great to show him a good game and have a good crowd. Tickets are still available at the box office and students get in free.
Purdue is a very tough matchup for Michigan (or any team) which makes it confusing that Michigan played so close with them the first time. I guess anytime Manny scores 25 we will at least be in the game. Purdue runs a lot of versatile guys at you that can all shoot it and creates a matchup nightmare. I think Michigan holds close in this one for a while but Purdue is just too talented and skilled across the board to lose to this Michigan team.
UMHoops Prediction: Purdue 69 – Michigan 62
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