Michigan goes 4-0 in Italy, defeating Montova 96-76
In a much closer game, Michigan defeats Montova 96-76. Montova managed to keep it pretty close most of the game, even briefly taking the lead just after halftime, but Michigan puts it away late and wins by 20.
Game tweets here:
August 22nd, 2014 at 2:57 PM ^
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:02 PM ^
Almost every tweet with MAAR mentioned him driving to the hoop.
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:15 PM ^
August 22nd, 2014 at 9:36 PM ^
August 22nd, 2014 at 10:31 PM ^
"MAAR kicks out to Irvin" could be something that makes opposing teams' fans cry, except they probably won't actually call him MAAR, though they should. MAAAAARRR!
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:17 PM ^
I said this in another thread, but I think he's going to be providing that instant offensive spark we've had in the past couple of years from Irvin and McGary...except he'll do it by getting to the foul line.
Needs to work on that free throw percentage, though. Hasn't been great in Italy.
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:01 PM ^
Cool beans. Good to see a team that created a bit of stress if only for a half.
EDIT - looking at the feed, it was 80-71 quite late into the game so sounds like a good game.
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:01 PM ^
lowest winning margin, and toughest test. It's nice they got to make this trip and go undefeated with the staff getting a chance to evaluate the various components of the team and how they mesh in a competitive situation even if the teams they faced will not present the same challenge that they'll face in the upcoming season.
That said, I think the greatest benefit is, of course, having the guys being able to acquaint themselves with each other, learn their strengths on the floor, and have our big guys get an opportunity to work out their games against varying competition.
I wish the competition was stiffer in the earlier contests, but this was a nice trip that accomplished its aims and enabled our team to succeed and enjoy a great cultural and lifelong experience in the process. You just can't measure the benefits of that, no matter how the games turned out. The fact that they won going away in each contest was just icing on the cake.
Our basketball team is in great hands.
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:17 PM ^
Postgame photos from NcaaItaly:
Always good to beat a team in red!
Translation of tweet with above photo: Michigan celebrates the victory with one of its fans!
August 22nd, 2014 at 4:14 PM ^
August 22nd, 2014 at 4:44 PM ^
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:14 PM ^
our length is going to be huge for us this year. This team is very different from teams we have had the past 4-5 years. Really looking forward to the type of team coach B will mold these kids into.
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:26 PM ^
This was the professional team among the four, I believe - correct me if I am wrong. I'll be interested to see the stat line from this one as a contrast to the other three games for that reason alone.
All in all, nice to see them complete the sweep in Italy. Going back through the tweets right now makes me very intrigued to see some MAAR in action in the season because the tweets would make one believe he was literally all over the place in a most excellent way.
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:56 PM ^
as opposed to the other three opponents, it looks like this is a collection of solid lower/middle-level European players and American college players. American talent includes Johndre Jefferson (SoCar) and Ryan Amoroso (SDSU/Marquette).
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:28 PM ^
Quite a difference from their last European Trip where Michigan went 1-3.
Solid play. Scored North of 90 points in all games.
August 22nd, 2014 at 4:12 PM ^
I know there are quite a few variables involved, but seeing the scores from the games has me questioning. I keep wondering how the 4 opponents this year would compare to the 4 opponents played on the previous trip. Are this year's Euro squads that much weaker, or is this Michigan squad playing at a higher level than the previous Michigan squad on their Euro trip?
August 22nd, 2014 at 4:16 PM ^
Bit of both. IIRC we were playing some higher level Belgium squads (maybe a bit better than the team we played today) whereas this Italian squad is the only actual team that we played on this trip. On the other hand, the talent gap between this year's squad and the 10-11 squad is enormous.
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:40 PM ^
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:59 PM ^
August 22nd, 2014 at 4:10 PM ^
Boxscore (PDF)
Seven Wolverines scored in double-digits, with two double-doubles: Irvin with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Doyle with 10 points and 10 boards. Michigan shot 53.7% from the field and 42.1% from long range. They also won the rebounding battle, 45-24.
Some individual stats for Mantova, who were led by center Johndre Jefferson and guard Armin Mazic, both with 18:
Amoroso 4, Baccarani n.e., Mazic 18, Jefferson 18, Rossetti, Fehi n.e., Faccioli, Rullo 12, Maiorino, Landi 8, Fultz 5, Maccaferri 11
— Pallac. Mantovana (@PallacMantovana) August 22, 2014
August 22nd, 2014 at 3:59 PM ^
Seemed like Michigan got a ton of transition points off of Montova missed dunks.
Also, nice to have Irvin and Doyle both with another double double (Irvin- 16 points, 10 rebounds; Doyle- 10 points, 10 rebounds). And to have MAAR and Dawkins finish with great supporting numbers (MAAR- 10 points, 2 steals; Dawkins- 10 points, 2 rebounds).
Levert with a great well-rounded performace; 15 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals. Seems like he's getting back in game form.
August 22nd, 2014 at 4:17 PM ^
in a game that was close much of the way.
August 22nd, 2014 at 4:44 PM ^
hit an 18-pointer at the buzzer to finally pull away?
August 22nd, 2014 at 4:58 PM ^
We trailed for a bit in the second half and pulled away in the fourth quarter. There was very little garbage time.
August 22nd, 2014 at 6:27 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
August 22nd, 2014 at 6:33 PM ^
but Montova always comes to play. Remember these guys at bracket-busting time.