Notebook: Michigan faces must-win test at Rutgers

It’s not a revelation that Michigan needs wins badly right now, but that’s exactly what puts every upcoming matchup under a spotlight.

This week’s showcase is a road matchup against Rutgers on Thursday. To its core, it’s a must-have win. Ranked No. 28 in the NET and tied for fourth in the Big Ten with six other teams (including Michigan), the matchup represents a key opportunity to not only boost the Wolverines’ resume, but also jockey for position inside the tough conference standings.

The path to do that begins with a mentality of going 1-0 every day.

“1-0, 1-0, 1-0” associate head coach Phil Martelli repeated throughout Wednesday’s press conference. “And that starts today. That’s not tomorrow night.”

Seemingly, that make-or-break mentality has spread throughout the lineup. Players have spoken about desperation in games for a few weeks now, but Martelli noted that practices have been good this week and that 1-0 mindset is carrying their mentality.

“Saturday after a film session, Juwan turned to Hunter (Dickinson) and said ‘1-0’ and I remember going to him after the game — ‘Hunt stay with that,’” Martelli said. “And I think if all of us could stay with that. I get it, I understand, you can’t avoid it. What’s in our control is we go 1-0 today and then go 1-0 tomorrow.”