Michigan senior DeShawn Sims retrieves a rebound in between Indiana sophomore Verdell Jones III and freshman Derek Elston.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Behind savvy coaching moves and a very good defensive effort, the Michigan basketball team earned mostly high marks after knocking off Indiana, 69-45.

OFFENSE
Manny Harris saved Michigan again. The junior took over the game and kept the Wolverines from having a second bad loss to the Hoosiers. Senior forward DeShawn Sims also played well. Beyond those two, the Wolverines had little offensive juice for the majority of the game. They had more turnovers (16) than assists (13) for the first time all season and shot 31.8 percent in the first half. The second half was better, but a lot of that was Harris and the patience of the offense.
GRADE: C-

DEFENSE
Yes, Michigan was helped out by playing an offensively-challenged Indiana team that looked beaten midway through the second half. But the Wolverines forced 19 turnovers, had 11 steals and four blocks, all close to season-highs. They also held Indiana to 36.5 percent shooting for the game and 6.7 percent from the three-point line (1 of 15). The 45 point allowed was a season-low for a Michigan opponent.
GRADE: A

COACHING
John Beilein made a great move early in the second half, sitting junior guard Manny Harris for a short stretch after he made a mistake. Watching, Harris realized someone needed to spark what had been an ugly game. When he returned, he carried Michigan to a win. He also handled Michigan’s foul trouble well, using his bench in short spurts. Michigan’s offense, save for Harris and 20 points from DeShawn Sims, was almost non-existent but he made the right moves when it mattered.
GRADE: B+