Dusty May has a well-earned reputation as an offensive wizard, but his first Michigan team is winning with its defense. On Wednesday night, the Wolverines put Xavier through the wringer, suffocating a high-flying offense loaded with experience, shooting, and depth.
Every Xavier possession was grueling and laborious. Even some of the shots the Musketeers made felt worthy of ending up on a Wolverine defensive highlight reel. Xavier made 20 shots, missed 38, and turned it over 19 times.
College basketball fans love Feast Week because of the memorable back-and-forth bouts of shot-making brilliance and clutch playmaking. This was anything but. It was outright defensive domination in a 78-53 win that was supposed to be a pick-em.
I wrote in the game preview that this was the kind of game that would come down to which team could play their style against leveled-up competition. Michigan left no doubt about which team that was.
Peacock Deal of The Year
Sign up for Peacock for the monthly $1.99 option or the annual option for $19.99 to claim the limited Black Friday Peacock offer.
Dusty May Promo!
Exclusive for UM Hoops Members
Get first year for less than $3/month
Advanced analysis, member forum, and ad-free viewing.
Already a member? Login
