Michigan 90, Detroit 58
Detroit couldn't break through the Wall of Teske. [Marc-Gregor Campredon]
Mercy.
Fine, some notes:
Detroit was awful. I need to get this out of the way before discussing anything else from this game. Detroit came out looking like a team that had quit on Bacari Alexander, going 5-for-23 from the field in the first half with as many turnovers (15) as rebounds while allowing a parade of open threes for Michigan. Things didn't improve much in the second half. Unfortunately, Alexander may not be long for that job—there's only so much to take away from this game on the Michigan side because of how poorly Detroit played.
While Moe Wagner sat, Jon Teske balled out. As expected, Wagner's minor ankle sprain kept him out. Michigan didn't miss a beat with Teske in the middle, as Detroit simply couldn't handle his size on either end of the floor. In 28 minutes, he scored 15 points on 14 shot equivalents, pulled down six of his ten rebounds on the offensive end, came up with two steals, and somehow didn't record a block while impacting a number of shots. Teske's stamina got tested a bit as Austin Davis fouled out in seven minutes (Davis did provide four points before his exit) and he held up well.
Charles Matthews had a great second half. Matthews didn't even arrive at the arena until 45 minutes before tipoff. Per The Athletic's Brendan Quinn, Matthews's grandmother passed away last week, and Charles went with assistant coach DeAndre Haynes to the funeral yesterday before flying back to Detroit this morning. After a slow start, Matthews was brilliant in the second half, scoring 17 of his 20 points on 7-for-10 shooting while getting to the rim at will.
(Almost) everyone shot well. Duncan Robinson broke out of his funk with a 3-for-4 performance from downtown; Zavier Simpson hit both his triples and 3-of-5 twos; Jordan Poole scored 12 points on ten shots in just 15 minutes; even Ibi Watson got into the act, making 2-of-3 threes. Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Eli Brooks were the main exceptions, going a combined 2-for-10.
Isaiah Livers is getting close. He played with great energy, recording five offensive rebounds and two blocks. He showed off his passing skill with three assists, including couple really nice post feeds. He's on the verge of a breakout, but after missing his only three-point attempt, he's 2-for-15 from beyond the arc this season. His form looks fine; if/when those shots start falling, he's going to push for a bigger role and quite possibly Robinson's starting spot.
[Hit THE JUMP for the box score.]
[Campredon]
December 16th, 2017 at 10:39 PM ^
I still like Brooks a lot, but I agree, Z is playing some really really good ball right now.
December 17th, 2017 at 9:08 AM ^
I think Z is learning how to play the position from Brooks. There were hints in yesterday's game that he is catching on.
December 17th, 2017 at 4:42 PM ^
you can't be serious
December 17th, 2017 at 4:42 PM ^
you can't be serious
December 18th, 2017 at 3:22 PM ^
Whoa... Meta AF.
December 17th, 2017 at 9:02 AM ^
Everyone looked good...even Wagner cheering from the bench.
I am most pleased with how the guards are playing/developing. Brooks, Simpson, MAAR and Poole make this a position of strength at the 1 and 2. Folks are all excited about the play of Simpson-as well they should be. The options available from these four bode well for this team.
The story here is the play and development of Brooks. I am a tough critic of PG play. Here, Brooks is already very good but, as I watch him, I believe this kid is going to be an exceptional player. His understanding of the game is elite.
December 17th, 2017 at 9:58 AM ^
I agree - his mental game is ahead of his physical game, which is a really great sign for a freshman
December 17th, 2017 at 9:56 AM ^
ED: I see S.G. Rice beat me to it above...
Boy, Simpson quietly had a huge game, with all of this coming in just 19 minutes
- 12 points on 7 shots
- 7 assists
- 5 rebounds
- 3 steals
December 17th, 2017 at 2:52 PM ^
I like the hustle in Livers. He’s ascending. Still learning and getting acclimated to this level. I think with him on offense he almost needs to just relax and calm down. He gets an opportunity with the ball in his hands and he seems rushed. His skill set and size should lead to a lot of getting him the ball on the mid/low block extended where he could face up and shoot, or take his man off the dribble to the bucket if he has the matchup. He seems like like he’s already a good passer. Along with his hustle game. He imo just needs to relax and calm down in those situations. But as a young player that will come, as well as his shot.
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