Five takeaways from Michigan’s blowout win over UCLA

The first half of Saturday afternoon’s matchup wasn’t perfect for the No. 2 Michigan men’s basketball team, but a strong second-half performance full of adjustments allowed the Wolverines to turn a tight first half into a 30-point blowout over UCLA.

Now with two wins under its belt from this week, Michigan is likely on the verge of the top ranking in the AP poll on Monday. First, here are five takeaways from the Wolverines’ win over the Bruins:

L.J. Cason delivers in crucial moments (again)

When the Wolverines were struggling over the last two games, facing their largest deficit of the season against Northwestern or needing a spark on offense against UCLA, the player stepping up hasn’t been one of the usual suspects. Rather, sophomore guard L.J. Cason has been ready to boost the Wolverines to victory.

Against the Bruins, Cason finished with 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting while adding two assists. What’s been most impressive about Cason’s recent play is his ability to perform at different spots — excelling with and without Elliot Cadeau on the floor.

Last season, when Cason began to take form in the postseason, his ability to command the offense as a point guard — in addition to playing the two-guard spot, which he was more comfortable with — was starting to develop. In the past two games, when Michigan has needed it most, that lead-guard element of Cason’s game has come to fruition.

“Right now, I think I’m just learning how to play point guard,” Cason said when asked about his improvements from his freshman season to this year. “Coming in, I don’t think I knew, but just every day watching Elliot, watching how he commands the team and puts everyone in place. I think I’m just learning from them every day. I’m slowly going into that position.”