MBB: Western Michigan @ Michigan 2 PM BTN

Submitted by J. on December 15th, 2018 at 2:06 PM

Tip off momentarily for the matchup with the Broncos.

Go Blue!

runandshoot

December 15th, 2018 at 2:55 PM ^

Seems like the defense has awakened. When this team catches fire on offense, they can play with anyone.

Hopefully they can start out the second half with the same intensity and pull away!

Go Blue!

Joined: 09/04/2009

MGoPoints: 6670

WolverineMan1988

December 15th, 2018 at 2:59 PM ^

If you're worst half of basketball still gives you a two point lead that's a good sign. The half court offense was horrendous. Let's hope that doesn't continue into the second half. As for FT's, the time has come for Beilein to bring in a hypnotist.

Joined: 09/26/2017

MGoPoints: 5215

OwenGoBlue

December 15th, 2018 at 2:59 PM ^

Hey, at least they responded. 

I'm proud of the lack of freakout on this thread. Other than the one dude who's still complaining about Zak Irvin for some reason on the first page. 

Joined: 04/03/2016

MGoPoints: 31530

J.

December 15th, 2018 at 3:02 PM ^

Absolutely brutal half is going to make it very difficult, but not impossible, to hit the KenPom number.  15 minutes into the half, Michigan had committed two fouls, and they were both on Teske. I don't think the offensive weirdness was on Davis, though; I actually thought he was pretty good, for the most part.  The offense looked like a bit of panic mixed with some bad shot luck -- Michigan got a lot of good looks that didn't fall.  If that rights itself in the second half, they should cruise to victory.  Nice end-of-half spurt.

Numbers-wise, I got 35 first-half possessions.  Offensively, at 0.86 ppp, Michigan was awful, but at 0.8 ppp for WMU, the defense was outstanding.  Michigan 11/20 inside the arc, vs 6/12 for Western.  Dugan scored the first 5 WMU points but hasn't scored since.

Turnovers are the big difference here; WMU turned the ball over on 28.6% of possessions, whereas Michigan was at 14.3%.  Also, Michigan got 24% of available OREBs while WMU was a mere 7%.

I expect slightly fewer second-half possessions as I don't think there will be as many one-second Michigan possessions (a couple of terrible passes, one of which led to a layup).  I don't see WMU doing much better than 1.0 ppp, if that, which would make 62 a likely winning score.  On the other hand, if they want to hit the KenPom number (23), they'll likely need 75 or so.  That's certainly within the realm of possibility if the shots start to fall.  This team has had some great offensive stretches this year; it'd be nice to start the second half with one and end the suspense.

Joined: 03/11/2012

MGoPoints: 13057

J.

December 15th, 2018 at 3:06 PM ^

I was pleasantly surprised the referees didn't try to even the foul disparity by calling a couple of reach-in fouls there.  Those steals looked clean, but a 12-4 foul advantage for one team often leads to a few nonsense calls the other way.

Joined: 03/11/2012

MGoPoints: 13057

J.

December 15th, 2018 at 3:09 PM ^

Sure, Teske gets hacked, no call, and then the high-percentage shot rolls off.  Then WMU throws the ball at the basket and it goes in.  :sigh:

Joined: 03/11/2012

MGoPoints: 13057

ak47

December 15th, 2018 at 3:14 PM ^

The next stage of development for Iggy is learning how to positively impact the game when his shot isn’t dropping. His assist rate isn’t what it needs to be 

Joined: 05/05/2011

MGoPoints: 33614