REBOUND – MICHIGAN AND OHIO STATE
Several questions may still float around after Michigan’s somewhat surprising victory over Ohio State.
First, was the victory really that surprising? Michigan caught Ohio State at a favorable time for the Wolverines, after a previous Ohio State loss on the road to Wisconsin and Ohio State was without one of the most talented players in the nation, Evan Turner.
Second, did this result indicate better play for Michigan or troubles for Ohio State? Likely both scenarios are correct. Ohio State’s numbers are drastically different without Turner, and the rotation for Ohio State, while not thin, suffers somewhat without Turner’s minutes. After two years of watching Turner control games at the very end, other Buckeyes have been forced into that role. Like many teams, Ohio State has been shooting much better in the first half while seeing the three pointers clang at the end of the game when the legs get a little tired. Michigan did play better defensively in the second half of the Buckeye game, but again, to what degree did Michigan’s defense shut down Ohio State compared to the degree Ohio State shut itself down? The Buckeyes did have plenty of good shots in the last three minutes.
Third, can Michigan use this as a small springboard and improve? The Wolverines better since the easy part of the schedule will only last another few games, and then the going gets really tough.
The Indiana loss was ugly and showed the glaring weaknesses that Michigan still possesses. Of all the weaknesses shown this season, team help-defense and rebounding stand out the most. Softness has led to both flaws. It is hard to win a game when the other team can get two or three shots routinely. Every team has been able to beat Michigan to the ball, and the chances of a pronounced difference in rebounding improvement against the upcoming competition is more of a hope than anything else. Yesterday, two upperclassmen put the team of their backs and single-handedly made two nice runs. The second run provided the cushion from which the cold-shooting Ohio State team could not recover.
This Michigan team must build some momentum while the opportunity still presents itself and pull off a couple of surprises down the stretch to have any chance of NCAA or NIT action. And, like last week, the team is still hanging on by a thread.
Do not feel too bad for Ohio State. The Buckeyes finish the season with many winnable games and will likely have Evan Turner back down the stretch. They may take a beating early on (tough four game start) but may issue some payback down the road.
Thank you for reading and continue to visit GBMW.
Written by Doc4blu
Go Blue -- Wear Maize!
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