For 20 minutes, Michigan was cruising. The sort of 20 minutes that make the last month so frustrating. The Wolverines controlled the game from the jump, got good shots in the post, moved the ball and looked head and shoulders the better team in a hostile venue. Certainly a team better than their record.
Then, the teams returned to the floor for the second half, and everything made sense. Michigan turned it over on four of its first five possessions, while Penn State scored on four of its first five. That was about enough for the Wolverines to pack their bags. They unraveled and watched the Nittany Lions dominate the final period, 52-36.
It was a disappointing performance for Michigan players on an individual level, and as a unit. By any standard. There were more long stares than high fives, more turnovers in the backcourt than good offensive possessions and more walking around aimlessly than huddling up as a unit.
Simply put, it felt like a program that had lost 9 of its last 12 games with more questions than answers.
Subscribe to Continue Reading
Join the UM Hoops community today and access our exclusive content.
- Advanced analysis and previews
- Member-only forum & monthly ‘Ask Me Anything’
- In-depth video breakdowns and features
- Ad-free viewing
Already a UM Hoops member? Sign in below
