Michigan 68, Northwestern 51
Michigan overcame a dreadful half of basketball from both teams to surge to a surprisingly comfortable 68-51 win over Northwestern in Evanston to get back in the winning column. Kobe Bufkin threatened for a triple double with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists as Michigan assisted on 21 of 24 made baskets. Hunter Dickinson scored 19 and Joey Baker chipped in 14 off the bench as the Maize & Blue got their 6th win in B1G play to get back over .500 in the conference.
The first half was a terrible display of offensive basketball from both teams, missing open shots and lacking any semblance of offensive rhythm. The score sat at 1-0 Northwestern for the first 2.5 minutes of the contest and it proved to be an ominous marker for what would follow. Michigan shot 9/31 from the field and Northwestern was only a tiny bit better at 9/26. Each team made three threes and neither shot over 75% from the free throw line. Turnovers were low for both sides, but that couldn't rectify the parade of missed shots. Hunter Dickinson had a small groove with a dreamshake-like bucket, but otherwise finished 3/8. Kobe Bufkin hit a three and a long two and led the team with 10 rebounds, but overall shot 2/6 from the floor.
Juwan Howard dabbled in strange lineups, running out a Tarris Reed/Youssef Khayat/Jace Howard/Joey Baker/Kobe Bufkin look for an extended period of time. Khayat played for the first time since New Year's Day and the first time in meaningful minutes since mid-December, but he finished with no points in the first half (missed two threes). It wasn't much better for Northwestern, who got 11 points from Boo Buie but no one else scored more than 4 points, and Buie accounted for all the made threes for the Wildcat side. Most distressing for the home faithful was Chase Audige's grim 0/9 shooting performance. It was brutal from a watchability standpoint, but Michigan led 26-25.
[Marc-Gregor Campredon]
The second half proved to be more of the same for Northwestern, while Michigan emerged from its funk to ignite on the offensive end. At first it seemed promising for Northwestern, with Audige quickly snapping his disaster factory first half, knocking down a pull up on the first possession of the second half and swiping the ball to set up Ty Berry for a layup that gave Northwestern a four point lead a minute in. After that, it was all Wolverines. They stitched together a 12-0 run, Hunter Dickinson kicking it off with a pair of free throws and a jumper, followed by fast-break points from Kobe Bufkin and then an acrobatic three pointer by Joey Baker that drew a foul. Baker hit the free throw and then drilled a jumper on the next possession to make it 38-29 Wolverines.
That represented the first sizable lead by either team in the game and Michigan's offense was only in the process of opening up. When points started to come from other sources, like a Terrance Williams II three, or laser-precise passing between Dug McDaniel and Kobe Bufkin to set up a Hunter Dickinson and-one, you knew the machine was humming. The Williams trey made it 44-31, but despite a quick 'Cats score, Michigan kept building on the lead. Kobe Bufkin sliced to the lane for a layup and Michigan led 48-33 with 11:24 remaining.
Northwestern had no answer. After that four point surge in the opening minute, it took them eleven minutes to score eight points. Michigan provided largely effective defense, yes, but Northwestern's shooting display was abysmal. Shots glanced off the back board, the front iron, just about every way you could miss. Michigan, to their credit, kept pushing on offense and put the game away early, never giving Northwestern the opportunity to claw back. Joey Baker pump faked into a made three to put Michigan up 16 and then Kobe Bufkin stripped Buie and threw it down at the other end. Then, with 5:20 left, Jett Howard, who was having an off-night, swished a three. 60-41 Michigan.
[Marc-Gregor Campredon]
The remaining minutes were performative, Michigan doing well to break down the trap and Northwestern doing nothing to turn it on offensively. The final seconds ran out and the ultimate score was 68-51 in favor of the visittors. After two disappointing losses last week to Penn State and Purdue, Michigan was back in the winning column.
Despite my apocalyptic summary of the first half box score, the final box score was much cleaner... for one team. Northwestern shot 37.5% from the floor (21/56) and 15.8% from three (3/19), getting 23 from Buie and no one else above 10 points. Yeah, ugly. But Michigan? A much prettier picture. Bufkin and Dickinson led the team in scoring, Kobe excellent all around while Hunter scored 19 on a rather inefficient 7/16 from the floor. For me the highlight was Joey Baker, who might have played his best game as a Wolverine, scoring 14 on 5/6 from the field and 3/4 from three, helping stomach a dismal outing from Jett Howard.
Michigan is now 12-10 on the season overall and 6-5 in the B1G, tied with Northwestern, Indiana, Maryland, Iowa, and Michigan State in a pile up in the middle of the league. They now have an opportunity to string some wins together with a favorable home schedule upcoming, starting with the struggling Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler on Sunday. That game is scheduled for 1:00 PM EST and will be broadcast on CBS.
[Click the JUMP for the box score]
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:38 PM ^
My hightlight was the announcer comment of that's an airball from one foot out.
Nice game, Kobe.
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:44 PM ^
High effort game from the whole squad, good to see that. And for once the opponent didn't get every bounce, every loose ball, every break.
Sure, there were a few breakdowns on D, but not as many. The offense got stagnant for stretches, but there were also some of the best stretches they've played this season.
And hey, how about that, the guards crashed the boards. They've missed that. Now, how about a win against the Buckeyes, that would be swell.
February 2nd, 2023 at 9:58 PM ^
It’s February. Juwan’s teams (like Beilein’s before him) usually figure it out around now.
February 2nd, 2023 at 10:09 PM ^
Nice bounce-back from the PSU game. When this team is humming they can beat you up offensively and can at least make the shots harder to get off defensively.
I still don't think they'll make the NCAA tourney but beating OSU this weekend would go a long way toward setting them up on a nice trajectory for next year and who the hell knows.
February 2nd, 2023 at 10:11 PM ^
Was at the game tonight. Considering the rough season for the team, I was super impressed with the turnout! Had to have been 60-40 Northwestern fans there.
And as mentioned, great games from Kobe, Hunter and Baker. TWill also quietly had a really nice game! 7 points and 10 boards. Loved his effort today. Go Blue!
February 2nd, 2023 at 10:57 PM ^
Um, excuse me, it's THE struggling THE Ohio State Buckeyes.
February 3rd, 2023 at 1:14 PM ^
THE struggling the THE Ohio State University team
February 2nd, 2023 at 10:58 PM ^
I was impressed in how well Dug and Kobe fought to cut off drives compared to earlier games. If the can prevent the layup line we have seen in some games that will be great. I thought Dug was really working hard on Boo Boil’s drives.
February 2nd, 2023 at 11:24 PM ^
Whatever Kobe ate for dinner tonight....feed it to the whole team. He was outstanding...
February 2nd, 2023 at 11:27 PM ^
When a victory doesn’t warrant Muppets, but is still noteworthy, I give you Big Chungus:
February 3rd, 2023 at 1:16 PM ^
Thank you?
At least it's got a consistent message.
February 2nd, 2023 at 11:38 PM ^
A much needed win, probably aided by a tired Northwestern squad, but those are the breaks. It would be nice if we could string together a few more.
February 3rd, 2023 at 7:26 AM ^
Meh...win the next 3 Home games and MAYBE they have a pulse and McDaniels continues to be a AWFUL shooter...He shouldnt be playing
February 3rd, 2023 at 8:35 AM ^
I definitely disagree, McDaniel didn't have a great shooting night yesterday but he's been okay. Not a great shooter but very much not awful. And he absolutely should be playing, both because there is literally* nobody else and he needs to develop as much and and as fast as possible for next year.
* It's not often that literally is accurate when used in this context, but who is your next option? A walk on? Someone has to handle the ball and Bufkin already played 38 minutes.
February 3rd, 2023 at 8:54 AM ^
Yeah, Dug's not a great shooter, but check the box score:
8 assists
4 rebounds
0 (that's ZERO) turnovers.
His biggest problem is not his shooting, but his inability to effectively penetrate to the hoop and dish or score. But I'll take last night's numbers.
February 3rd, 2023 at 10:28 AM ^
Curious about the zero turnovers thing....I have a distinct memory of the broadcast team commenting on it, and then within the next few plays, Dug turning it over and then them saying, "Well, there's the first one."
Dunno. Maybe it wasn't attributed to Dug.
February 3rd, 2023 at 1:18 PM ^
So many offensive possessions seem to start WAY above the three-point line and STAY there till about 10 seconds left.
It reminds me of Amaker's teams, with lotsa nothin' a long way from the basket and then sudden flurries.
February 3rd, 2023 at 10:01 AM ^
This team has been frustrating for fans because we all see what the potential should be. This is a talented team. It is also a young team.
Kobe is growing as a Sophomore. Jett and Tarris are freshman and so is Dug your primary ball handler.
Lets hope for a nice run and let’s hope everyone comes back.
February 3rd, 2023 at 1:19 PM ^
Double-D, if you're not using both of your Ds, maybe loan one to the team so they have some D.
February 3rd, 2023 at 5:08 PM ^
I would like to loan some free throw lessons.
February 3rd, 2023 at 5:46 PM ^
Maybe the label's the problem. Maybe players don't value something that's free.
What about "challenge shots"?
February 3rd, 2023 at 10:11 AM ^
If this team were just 2% better it would be a 6 seed in the tourney. If you look at the numbers compared to last year, they are almost exactly the same, incredibly similar. Had they not dropped that game to CMU and found a way to pull out just ONE of the close losses to one of the ranked teams they've played, we would all be feeling pretty good about this teams chances to continue improving into March and have a chance at yet another Sweet 16 birth.
I'm not sure that had Llewelyn not gotten hurt he would have been that missing 2%, but if we had a decent junior point guard, I think this team would look completely different. Not knocking Dug, he is improving fast and doing everything you can reasonably expect from a freshman PG. But a floor general is sorely needed. It's too bad Hunter has not stepped up into the leadership role nor taken the needed next step in his development, because that is a place we should be expecting to get that missing 2%. Not sure what has happened with him, but maybe he will come on this month and salvage this season.
February 3rd, 2023 at 10:25 AM ^
Basketball version of the M00N game?
February 3rd, 2023 at 1:19 PM ^
The first half definitely.
February 3rd, 2023 at 10:31 AM ^
Several signs of growth last night, very encouraging. The full court press with the 2nd unit should be a thing - those guys are all 6'6 and athletic. Glad to see Yoyo out there even if he missed his 3's. The effort on the glass, the patience/pace by the young guards, Baker the microwave and taking Jett out when he's not having a good game. All signs of growth are what I'm looking for as a fan. Go Blue
February 3rd, 2023 at 10:49 AM ^
Throwing out a few feelings-ball things:
- Odd to see Khayat getting some minutes while Tschetter remains stapled to the bench. I know Tschetter's defense and athleticism are lacking, but his effort and offensive skill are not. I still like Khayat's potential, but he doesn't really look primed to make an impact this year.
- I was glad to see no more off-ball cuts/dives down the lane from Terrance Williams. It seems like they were trying it 2-3 times a game and it rarely if ever worked. Usually Hunter would fire a fastball at Williams' shins and the ball would be fumbled away.
- Also great to see Hunter actually display some post moves and good footwork to improve his shot quality. It has felt like he's been satisfied to throw up little hook/flip shots from wherever he catches the ball, instead of finding a better angle. I think he's much more effective when he's mixing in outside shots, elbow jumpers, and actual post moves, instead of just trying to toss in a shot from 8 feet out.
- Similarly, I'd love to see Jett start attacking closeouts more frequently. It seems like he does a lot of work hunting open 3's (which is great), but it's also encouraging more aggressive closeouts. Blowing by the defender closing out and getting to the rim will slow that down and maybe provide some more open looks if defenders have to react to that.
February 3rd, 2023 at 11:32 AM ^
Khayat was in a boot a few weeks ago so think his delay in getting on the floor had more to do with that. He must be performing/improving in practice to warrant the time. His shot looked smooth but he was lost on the defensive end. This team is still looking for someone other than Baker and Reed to provide some punch off the bench so might as well see what he can do. Jace, Tschetter and Barnes have been given their chances.
February 3rd, 2023 at 11:49 AM ^
It was reported post-game that Tschetter had some sort of a stomach bug. Apparently he was puking at halftime.
February 3rd, 2023 at 11:14 AM ^
Michigan won because NW shot poorly throughout the game.Michigan got the ball to HD down low often.... Tourney ? Go 6-3 ,18-13 going into BTT and they'll have a shot.
February 3rd, 2023 at 11:28 AM ^
The MD home W is now a quad 1 W as well - so a 2W swing last night. Up to 71 (from 83) in NET. Still a long way to go, but a great step and set up well with the upcoming home streak. If any 2 of the NC/KY/VA/@Iowa/@sparty/@MD games swing the other way, we're comfortably in, or at least on the right side of the bubble. One at a time...
February 3rd, 2023 at 12:14 PM ^
Sweet Sixteen dreams back on!
February 3rd, 2023 at 12:41 PM ^
A team with Peaks and low valleys.... Consistency in hoops is difficult with a veteran club let a lone a young back court. Hopefully our freshmen are ready to become sophs and our sophs to become juniors. We need to minimize mistakes and consistently shoot the ball. Easier said then done with the backcourt we have however I am very encouraged of this squads turnover situation we seem to value the ball which is very important in turning this around. Keep working on the shooting and minimizing mistakes. Not sure this is a tourney team hopefully we find a way which Michigan has been known for doing when not having great seasons as of late.
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