Michigan vs. Villanova (SNOWFLAKES) Thread

Maybe I'm the only one here, but I thought our bigs brought most of those fouls on themselves. Handchecking isn't going to get called, but frustration reach ins once the other team gets the rebound will get called every time. That was just youth and frustration on display

Early in the season last year, I remember feeling like Michigan needed someone to step up and close out the wins. I think it took Nik a few losses to get there. I'm more surprised by these long Michigan scoring droughts, though.

Lost in this loss was Caris had 4 shots tonight of Kobe type quality.  Not saying he is half of Kobe but these were sick NBA baskets that were unstoppable.  Awesome to see.

The offense is still finding its way, mostly due to the youth involved and new players taking on the "load" (Irvin still getting used to handling the ball a lot).  Spike is stepping up huge being the primary ball handler against pressure teams.  Our shooting will come around by midseason once the offense is working more flawlessly.

The biggest improvement this year is on perimeter defense.  We shut down two solid penetrating guards the last two games (although Ennis was hot from outside).  Caris, Irvin and even Spike are solid at limiting penetration without giving up open 3s.  Our rebounding also looks somewhat improved, as we came back down and only allowed 8 OR tonight.

Tough game but early returns are encouraging.  No doubt this team will be in it for the run at a Big Ten title.

team let alone leave the bench, the guy constantly panics when he gets the ball. When you have the ball two feet from hoop put it up, why would you kick it out when there's not a wide open three pointer opportunity?

Our rookies are not as good as Kentucky's. We will be fine come March but may lose another game.

The refs were awful. But it was really encouraging to see them come roaring back. 

It didn't look good for awhile there. For Michigan to nearly beat an experienced, top-15 team at a neutral site with three guys just sent to the NBA.........very encouraging. They should have won that game. And if they get the ball to anyone but a brand-new starter who has to shoot free-throws, I think Michigan wins the game. 

Also, it's game 5. I'm already liking what I'm seeing so far.

Ricky Doyle.......I didn't think he'd be the first of the freshmen to step up but hello! 

Nice to see Chatman get some buckets tonight to boost his confidence. 

Also with the block on DJ Wilson.........just wait, he'll be doing that some day. Not all of the freshmen are going to come in and be 100% ready right off the bat. So it's a good thing we have Beilein to coach them. 

Also: Caris LeVert was named to the Legends Classic All-Tournament team.

Also lets give credit to the other team - in today's preview I was astounded at how many steals Nova got but it makes sense now.  UM is one of the better possession teams and they made us look silly for a 15 minute stretch with their pressure.  Their D is very good.  And Ennis is a bad ass - some serious talent in that family.  I have to imagine he is first team Big East.

Would love a rematch in the Elite 8!

This game is a 10-15 point victory in March.  

I could see it on Donnal's face, the nervousness, prior to the free throw... hopefully he gains a mental edge going forward, because under pressure, he wilted there.... make that free throw, and we win.  

Yeah, I wish we had won - but you know what?

At this point, watching Michigan's basketball team even in a loss is STILL more enjoyable than watching Michigan's football team even in a win.  I know that sounds insane, but there it is.