I have criticized Laval Lucas-Perry several times on this blog. Calling him tentative, critiquing his ball handling ability, and wondering if he truly feels comfortable in the offense. Luckily, whenever I am convinced that he has lost it he comes up with a huge performance, seemingly out of nowhere.
For some reason when the situation looks dire, there is no one whose hands I would rather have the ball in than Laval Lucas-Perry. His shot disappears at times and he might have a couple turnovers or silly fouls, but he manages to make big shots when Michigan needs them most.
None of Laval’s career performances have come at Crisler Arena. In fact, a majority of his double digit scoring games have come away from home including the best and most memorable.
- at Minnesota – 21 minutes, 19 points, 6-7 (3-4 3pt),
- at Indiana (‘09) – 34 minutes, 18 points, 5-12 (3-9 3pt), 3 rebounds, 3 assists
- vs. Oakland (at The Palace) – 14 points, 4-5 (4-6 3pt),
- vs. Creighton (at Disney Milk House) – 18 points, 5-11 ( 4-6 3pt)
- at Penn State (‘10) – 31 minutes, 16 points, 6-10 (4-8 3pt), 5 rebounds, 2 assists
- at Northwestern – 8 minutes, 10 points, 2-4 (1-2 3pt), 5-5 FT
Somehow, Laval’s best performances have come not only in games that Michigan needed to win but mostly in games they actually won. Michigan has won 4 true road games over the last two years under John Beilein. Laval Lucas-Perry is averaging 15.8 points per game and shooting 59% from the field in those four victories.
