Michigan 53, Texas 50 Comment Count

Ace



[Marc-Gregor Campredon/MGoBlog]

"So you haven't seen us win many like that," said John Beilein to open his postgame presser. Truer statements have rarely been spoken.

Let's set aside, for a moment, the hideous nature of this game, and instead appreciate the future of Michigan basketball. That future is the big man pairing of Moe Wagner and DJ Wilson, which came up huge on both ends of the floor to pry a victory out of the jaws of defeat.

With 1:56 to play, Kerwin Roach gave Texas a 50-48 lead, and Michigan looked to be in a very tight spot when Zak Irvin's entry pass bounced out of bounds off Wagner's hands on the following possession. The Wolverines played suffocating defense to force an airball, and Wagner halved the margin with a free throw, then gave Michigan a 51-50 lead with a putback off a missed Irvin layup with 14 seconds to play.

With the game on the line, Texas first tried to run a play through Tevin Mack, who scored a game-high 18 points. Wilson stonewalled Mack as he tried to drive, then batted away a kickout pass to force the Longhorns to reset on an inbounds play. That play went to Eric Davis, who Wilson stuck with as he dribbled across the paint before seamlessly passing him off to Wagner, who emphatically blocked the potential game-winner. Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman corralled the loose ball and put Michigan up three at the line; the ensuing midcourt prayer went unanswered.



A stylish finish (left) and the game-winning putback (right). [Campredon]

"I thought [Wagner] was the best player on the floor tonight," said Texas coach Shaka Smart.

There's plenty of evidence to back that up beyond the final sequence. Wagner paced the Wolverines with 15 points, made seven of his ten two-point attempts, pulled down five reounds, and added two assists, two steals, and a block. Beilein acknowledged that Wagner's defense has improved; he said, in fact, that he wanted to replace Wagner with Mark Donnal late in the game as a defensive substitution, but assistant Billy Donlon advised him not to do so—thankfully, he heeded Donlon's advice.

If Wagner wasn't Michigan's best player on the floor, it was Wilson. He required only seven shot equivalents to score his 13 points, led the team with six rebounds, and added two assists, two steals, and two blocks. He played great on-ball defense without getting into foul trouble.

The two bigs were Michigan's only effective offensive players this evening. Duncan Robinson was the only other Wolverine to finish in double figures, and he required 11 shots to score 12 points. Derrick Walton and Zak Irvin were a combined 4-for-17 from the field with ten points, seven assists, and eight turnovers. Other than the huge final rebound and subsequent free throws, MAAR was invisible, scoring all three of his points from the line.

Michigan will need much more offense to hang with UCLA on Saturday. The defense, built around the two bigs, allowed only 0.82 points per possession and forced 14 turnovers tonight; that is more than welcome to stay, even if it takes some time to get used to it.

Comments

Don

December 7th, 2016 at 6:01 AM ^

SMH. Good thing JB listened to Donlan.

At this point, Donnal is what he is—he's not going to get much better with additional minutes.

By contrast, Wagner has tremendous upside but will only progress with substantial PT.

champswest

December 7th, 2016 at 8:45 AM ^

pass to each other. With their height, they can usually just throw it over the top. They seem to be the only ones that can get it into a big down low.

With their play and effort, they are becoming the leaders on the court.

blue90

December 7th, 2016 at 9:34 AM ^

it is silly to think that Irvin and Walton are going to be those players we want them to be.  It has been four years and they have improved tremendously but they have also pretty much hit their ceilings.  Neither are players who are going to drive to the hoop and guarantee you points that way.  Of course Beilein's systems doesn't allow for much of that, but neither can drive very well regardless.  They are indeed the types of players who can contribute in other ways if they are not scoring but honestly, they will average 12 for walton and 15 for zak for the rest of the year, often times disappearing in big games or going off for 20 against random opponents.  Dont be surprised at their inconsistancy, it has happened for the past too many years.  They are hard workers but not A level players.

On a more positive note, it is amazing to see Wagner and DJ playing out there.  They picked up a lot this off-season, clearly more than anyone else did.  Get rid of Donnal.

I can see a tourney team this year if they improve the way most teams do throughout the season under Beilein.  Last years record seems about right, maybe one or two wins more. We will only have one crappy loss, VT, through ten games so that is positive (regardless of wether or not we loose ot UCLA, it won't be a bad loss).

L'Carpetron Do…

December 7th, 2016 at 10:41 AM ^

Still don't think this team is playing as well as they can.  That was an ugly -ass game.  It's the type of game they typically lose.  It seemed like there was huge drought before Wagner finally got to the line.  Long 2nd half scoring droughts have been typical with this team.  I'm glad they found a way to win an ugly game.  

I only watched the second half but when Dakich said 'what a great game, both teams out here competing like crazy' I was like 'what the f--- are you talking about?  were you watching the same game?' It was really ugly but they pulled it out - hope they learn from it because they'll likely have to do it again. 

I would still like to see more fire out there.  They need a Novak or a McGary out there to kick him in the ass and play with some fury.  Even a Burke - the strong silent type - would work.  

I've been a big supporter of Beilein on this board but last night for the first time I thought "maybe Beilien should retire after this season."

AlwaysBlue

December 7th, 2016 at 11:23 AM ^

makes you decide Beilein should retire? There have been games this season that the offense looked great. Texas is a young, developing team with a defensive minded coach. I credit that for some of last night. The other problem is one that was obvious last year...Irvin isn't Caris or Stauskas talent wise and Walton isn't Morris or Burke in terms of thinking the game. When Michigan is taken out of their game Walton doesn't seem to recognize the next option. I trust Beilein to adjust.

kstevens26

December 7th, 2016 at 11:10 AM ^

This is not the typical John Beilein team. Our offense needs to run through Wagner. He's clearly the guy on the floor with the best skill set. It's more than obvious.

Pick and roll with him or let him get his man to his back between the basket and let the big guy use his moves. It's clear what direction we need to move this season. The more comfortable he gets, the better he will be and will create more open looks for Irvin and Robinson.

 

Derrick Walton, while a leader who plays good D and is a great rebounding PG, is not the answer. Our offense always ran better with Spike playing PG. Last night it was evident where our weak spot on the floor was.... PG. Everytime he drives to the basket, he gets stuffed. Try to adjust/get creative or do something. Guys need to be cutting to the basket constantly and stop sitting around the 3 pt line waiting for the ball.

Robinson showed us some progression last night by using a shot fake and driving to the basket. Hopefully that sticks around and he can be our 6th/Instant offense from the bench.

DMill2782

December 7th, 2016 at 11:52 AM ^

Rahk run the pick and roll with Wagner more often. Play Walton off the ball where he can spot up and hit threes. That is what he is best at on the offensive end. 

How often are we letting Rahk run the pick and roll? It seems like it's always Walton or Irvin. Rahk has to create his own going to the basket. I would really like to see this change. Morris couldn't shoot a lick past 15-16 feet either, but he was deadly in the pick and roll. Rahk being 6'4", like Morris, provides more passing lanes than with Walton. 

UofM Die Hard …

December 7th, 2016 at 12:01 PM ^

and I think JB will do his thing throughout the year and get the best out of his guys.....but stop with the dumb turnovers. Ya they will happen but the really dumb ones make me want to rip my tv off the wall. 

bronxblue

December 7th, 2016 at 12:37 PM ^

This was painful to watch, but it's also just a weird roster. Irvin and Walton have not really improved for years now, and the younger guys just are growing. it'll be interesting to see how this team looks next year, but this season it looks like a lot of rough nights.

username03

December 7th, 2016 at 1:18 PM ^

Talk Xs and Os and adjustments all you want, the only problem with this team is lack of talent. Stop recruiting as if Michigan is a mid major and maybe that problem can be solved.

jsquigg

December 7th, 2016 at 2:49 PM ^

Coach B wanted Donnal in as a defensive sub?  Someone needs to check his meds.  Donnal has been hard to watch against decent competition doing anything.  Thank God for Coach Donlon.....

rice4114

December 7th, 2016 at 2:50 PM ^

I want to love Walton so much but he struggles. I also like that Irvin isnt a human highlight reel for the other teams best shot blocker this year. That being said these guys cant be having their worst games of their careers every damn 3rd game. Time for the floor to be a solid game at minimum.

tnixon16

December 7th, 2016 at 2:57 PM ^

We can kid ourselves all we want that this team is good/improving, but they simply do not pass the eye test. Too often, the offense bogs down into a non-competitive match of hero ball...with scant few heroes on the team to speak of. When there is ample player and ball movement, we are an above-average squad. Unfortunately, this only happens about 60 percent of the time. Anyone who is fooling themselves into thinking we will be competitive over the long haul of a college season is going to be sorely disappointed.

Now. Somebody pin this or screenshot it so they can throw it my face when I'm wrong. (Won't be.)

HarbaughorBust

December 7th, 2016 at 5:44 PM ^

Texas is atrocious.  That's the worst team in the Big 12. 

Michigan's ceiling is being on the bubble in March.  This is another average team for a coach being paid elite money and a school that has provided him elite resources. 

You can down vote me all you want but come March, this post will ring true.  Pathetic basketball for the 3rd straight year.