Michigan basketball team puts out an average effort in Ohio State loss
The Michigan basketball team didn't do anything particularly well in its 66-55 loss to No. 9 Ohio State, but it didn't do anything too poorly, either.
Offense: Michigan played well for a half, leading 33-32 at the break, and shot 45.8 percent from the field. But the old woes continued in the second, including a 1-of-10 performance from the three-point line in the second half. Five players scored in double figures, but Michigan again received little output (two points) from its bench. Grade: C
Defense Ohio State shot 58.7 percent from the field, the best an opponent has done on the Wolverines all year. The Wolverines forced five steals and made Ohio State turn the ball over 12 times. They did one thing well against Evan Turner - forcing him into eight turnovers. Grade: C
Coaching: Michigan had to pick which Ohio State player it wanted to contain. The Wolverines did a good job on Jon Diebler (1-of-7 shooting) and kept David Lighty in check, but Dallas Lauderdale tied a career-high with 14 points. The Wolverines also rallied from a bad start, which is a plus for John Beilein. Grade: C+
Comments
Salinegoblue
Sun, Feb 28, 2010 : 6:28 p.m.
I've always been a big supporter of JB, RR is another story though. Maybe it's time to send them back to WV. Their programs are still good. What is up with that friggin school anyways.
maizenbluedoc
Sun, Feb 28, 2010 : 11:28 a.m.
It would appear logical that the administration may be the constant in the poor showing of the football and basketball teams. I realize that players play the game, and coaches are responsible for the play calling on the field/court. But, it is also the administration's responsibility to assure the correct coaching staff is in place. I'm not convinced either coach can provide a leader in the Big Ten. that could change, but it isn't very likely at this time. It appears that the administration is comfortable with mediocrity or less.
oscar
Sun, Feb 28, 2010 : 10:35 a.m.
Theo, we watching the same games/team? "No team we can't beat".. is there a team that we CAN beat? Did you forget we lost to PSU and Northwestern at home? All of us Blue fans need to face reality.. Outside of Sims and sometimes Harris, we have ALL MAC talent. Bottom line, Beilein has brought in ZERO talent..
eugene
Sun, Feb 28, 2010 : 9:11 a.m.
michigans two biggest sports programs are pathetic. what a joke this has all turned into. No bowl the last two years,possible major vilations and now the mens b-ball team cant even make the NIT. I bet the mountineers are just loving this.
RASWVU
Sun, Feb 28, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.
The NIT requires a winning record for eligibility. The CBI would be a possibility as they do not have that requirement. http://www.gazellegroup.com/events/cbi/index_main.htm
KeepingItReal
Sun, Feb 28, 2010 : 8:35 a.m.
My impression from watching this team is they have given up on this season. There is something very intangible missing on this team and its not all the players fault.
Salinegoblue
Sun, Feb 28, 2010 : 7:03 a.m.
The future for our team this year with two games remaining, Minn and Mich State does not look good. If we lose both we'll end up 13-17 overall and 6-12 in the conference. I don't think the NIT would even consider us for an NIT tournament bid. Hopefully there will be an NBA lockout next year which will keep Manny in school, if he leaves, we'll hurt even worse next year.
dacianman
Sun, Feb 28, 2010 : 12:18 a.m.
When the two best players from last year, Harris and Sims, play less well, are more incosistent, the following year, that's coaching. We should expect coaches to deliver on the court (field) not in front of a microphone, over-rationalizing everything. How about it, Mr. Brandon? Some "real" Michigan caliber coaching for the Michigan Nation! We've been waiting long enough.
ypsinational
Sat, Feb 27, 2010 : 11:17 p.m.
I think Novak is the captain of this team. Neither Sims or Harris make a peep on the court. But on a top 20 team, Novak would be the 7/8th best player. LLP should change his initials to DNP for 'did not play' cause he don't do jack. Not much confidence in Wright and in Beilein's 'system' Gibson & Sims play the same position. I think Coach B is kicking himself for not putting Sims/Gibson on the floor together earlier. Gibson gives them size and effort, albeit with a GLIAC (not even MAC) skill set. Get ready for less than 5k fans for the home finale on Tuesday, what a switch from last March...
1989NCAACHAMPS
Sat, Feb 27, 2010 : 10:52 p.m.
Can someone please explain why Novak gets so much playing time? Also, LLP? I wish the NCAA would investigate why Coach J.B. plays those guys so much! Gibson and Wright are just as good as those guys and bring some size! Why not this line up Morris, (Douglas or Wright), Harris, Sims, Gibson.
ypsinational
Sat, Feb 27, 2010 : 10:47 p.m.
Great analysis... coaching was no better than a D. Why would they ever focus their defense on Lauderdale, their 5th option? Where has the 1-3-1 gone, Beilein's staple defense? I only wish they would switch their offensive playbook. All 3 of their so-called 'point guards' are getting into the lane afraid to shoot and taught to kick it out for an open 3. Too bad their open 3s are being shot by 2 star recruits from IN.
Engineer
Sat, Feb 27, 2010 : 10:26 p.m.
Strange headline. A loss is poor. This team and their coach have been failing all year and doing very poorly. Michigan should be in the upper third every year. NOT BOTTOM FEEDING. E- all around
azwolverine
Sat, Feb 27, 2010 : 6:39 p.m.
Hey! "Detractors Not Allowed!"
NoBowl4Blue
Sat, Feb 27, 2010 : 5:27 p.m.
A "C" can't beat an "A" very often in basketball or football. Osu owns Michigan in both right now.