When UNC got out to the early 18-11 lead, it looked like we were playing at their high pace and getting gashed. White is a great young player who got off to a nice start, hitting some running shots that are tough to defend. We gave Maye too much space and he hit a three and a mid range. Meanwhile, we're turning it over, taking some rushed shots. But from that point on we put together a dominant performance that made a very talented team look very ordinary.
We'd need several game balls in this one, and that's a testament to the balance of this team. Iggy got buckets early and in our first half run to turn the tide. He showed his full repertoire. I've never seen a guy with such great touch on the those close in shots. Add to that pretty good three point shooting tonight and adding to a great team effort on the boards. He's a clutch player, too. When UNC made their run late in the game, Iggy hit a mid range jumper to stop it.
Matthews had probably his best game at Michigan. Obviously, he scored big, hitting those fade away jumpers, putting back a slam, hitting a couple of threes. He still struggles from the FT line. Some look pure, some short. I was afraid that our FT shooting and a bunch of missed lay-ups might cost us the game. Good thing we blew them out anyway. Matthews was most impressive on defense. He completely shut down Cam Johnson, their leading scorer and a guy we tried to convince to transfer here. Impressive, to say the least.
Teske. What can you say about him that's never been said before - he dominated the paint against some plus athletes. He protected the rim, swatting and changing shots. He's gone from tentative, slightly lost player to a real force inside. Happy to see him dunking when he gets the chance. The semi high feed dunk from Simpson was thunder. Still not sold completely on him shooting threes. Kudos to big Jon.
Poole is still a bit of a loose cannon at times. That excess of swag that Beilein laughs about. He's a tough cover with a plethora of moves who is a streaky player from three. Tonight he hit some. His defense was pretty damned good, too. Our team defense is so good. The switching is almost flawless. We make it difficult to drive all the way to the hoop, and Teske and Matthews can challenge shots when the opponent does get in the lane. We fluster teams, get them out of their game, force them to play one on one. UNC's run was a combination of letting up a little with a big lead and them hitting some deep threes.
Z is the straw who stirs the drink. Didn't score much tonight but his assist numbers have to be pretty good. He and Teske on the high ball screen and roll really put a dagger into UNC. Z comes up with loose balls and makes steals so fast that you need the replay to see it. The offense is coming around, and Z has a lot to do with that. Always calm, always in charge. A big assist to Eli tonight, as well. He's becoming a reliable three point shooter, another ball handler and the D does not drop off with him on the floor. He gives both Z and Poole some bench time. Every bit of that helps in an intense game like tonight.
Livers foul trouble limited him. Teske was playing so well that I didn't mind.
I was great to blow out UNC and Roy Williams in front of Mr. ACC Dicky V. The way we floored the gas pedal at the start of the second half was an eye opener to anyone who still doubts this team. Can't believe Dicky left Wooden off his coaching Mt. Rushmore. Our transformation from a high volume three point shooting team to one that attacks the defense and smothers offenses is incredible.
Might have trouble falling asleep tonight. I'm pumped.
We'd need several game balls in this one, and that's a testament to the balance of this team. Iggy got buckets early and in our first half run to turn the tide. He showed his full repertoire. I've never seen a guy with such great touch on the those close in shots. Add to that pretty good three point shooting tonight and adding to a great team effort on the boards. He's a clutch player, too. When UNC made their run late in the game, Iggy hit a mid range jumper to stop it.
Matthews had probably his best game at Michigan. Obviously, he scored big, hitting those fade away jumpers, putting back a slam, hitting a couple of threes. He still struggles from the FT line. Some look pure, some short. I was afraid that our FT shooting and a bunch of missed lay-ups might cost us the game. Good thing we blew them out anyway. Matthews was most impressive on defense. He completely shut down Cam Johnson, their leading scorer and a guy we tried to convince to transfer here. Impressive, to say the least.
Teske. What can you say about him that's never been said before - he dominated the paint against some plus athletes. He protected the rim, swatting and changing shots. He's gone from tentative, slightly lost player to a real force inside. Happy to see him dunking when he gets the chance. The semi high feed dunk from Simpson was thunder. Still not sold completely on him shooting threes. Kudos to big Jon.
Poole is still a bit of a loose cannon at times. That excess of swag that Beilein laughs about. He's a tough cover with a plethora of moves who is a streaky player from three. Tonight he hit some. His defense was pretty damned good, too. Our team defense is so good. The switching is almost flawless. We make it difficult to drive all the way to the hoop, and Teske and Matthews can challenge shots when the opponent does get in the lane. We fluster teams, get them out of their game, force them to play one on one. UNC's run was a combination of letting up a little with a big lead and them hitting some deep threes.
Z is the straw who stirs the drink. Didn't score much tonight but his assist numbers have to be pretty good. He and Teske on the high ball screen and roll really put a dagger into UNC. Z comes up with loose balls and makes steals so fast that you need the replay to see it. The offense is coming around, and Z has a lot to do with that. Always calm, always in charge. A big assist to Eli tonight, as well. He's becoming a reliable three point shooter, another ball handler and the D does not drop off with him on the floor. He gives both Z and Poole some bench time. Every bit of that helps in an intense game like tonight.
Livers foul trouble limited him. Teske was playing so well that I didn't mind.
I was great to blow out UNC and Roy Williams in front of Mr. ACC Dicky V. The way we floored the gas pedal at the start of the second half was an eye opener to anyone who still doubts this team. Can't believe Dicky left Wooden off his coaching Mt. Rushmore. Our transformation from a high volume three point shooting team to one that attacks the defense and smothers offenses is incredible.
Might have trouble falling asleep tonight. I'm pumped.
