Is Michigan basketball really as good as their record suggests? Their recent win against Oregon, while positive, exposed some cracks in their armor. Let's dive into the key takeaways from Michigan's 81-71 victory over the Oregon Ducks – a win that wasn't as comfortable as the final score indicates.
For context, the Oregon Ducks, coached by the experienced Dana Altman, have been a consistent NCAA Tournament presence, even reaching the Final Four in 2017. Altman's impressive streak of 28 consecutive winning seasons is on the line this year and they were missing key players. Point guard Jackson Shelstad and center Nate Bittle are sidelined with injuries, creating a significant challenge for the Ducks.
Oregon came out swinging, fueled by energy that seemed to catch Michigan off guard. A late first-half offensive slump by the Wolverines allowed Oregon to take a narrow 41-40 lead into halftime. But Michigan showed resilience. They flipped a switch in the second half, tightening their defense and creating opportunities for fast-break points. The Wolverines shot a blistering 60% from the field, propelling them to a double-digit lead and ultimately securing the road win.
This win, coupled with their victory against Washington, highlights a crucial point: Michigan isn't dominating teams as easily as they did in their non-conference games. Securing two wins on a West Coast road trip is a significant accomplishment in the increasingly competitive Big Ten. However, Michigan had to grind both out.
So, what were the critical factors that led to Michigan's victory? Let's break it down:
1. A Tale of Two Halves: Inconsistency Concerns
Michigan struggled to consistently extend their lead in the first half, despite creating open looks. Offensive cold spells and a lack of inside scoring hampered their efforts. Oregon exploited this, winning the battle for points in the paint (16-10) while Michigan played a smaller lineup due to Morez Johnson Jr.'s foul trouble. The Wolverines went cold from the field in the last 6:42 of the first half, lacking their usual energy.
But here's where it gets controversial... Michigan seemed to rely on simply "flipping a switch" in the second half. A quick 7-0 run, fueled by three-pointers and buckets from Aday Mara, gave them a pivotal 53-47 lead. Mara's eight second-half points were crucial, and key baskets from L.J. Cason and Roddy Gayle Jr. helped maintain an eight-point cushion. Michigan's defense also stepped up, racking up seven blocks and making life difficult for Oregon.
While Michigan's ability to respond is commendable, relying on a second-half surge isn't a sustainable strategy in the long run. As impressive as a 16-1 record is, Michigan hasn't played a complete 40-minute game since their win against McNeese a few weeks ago. The Big Ten schedule is brutal. Wouldn't you agree that we need to see more consistent, dominant performances from this team?
2. Balanced Scoring: Burnett Leads the Charge
Michigan's offense thrives when the scoring is distributed, as it was against Oregon. Eight players scored within the first seven minutes, showcasing the team's depth. Nimari Burnett was particularly impactful, knocking down two three-pointers and adding two layups to reach double-digit points early.
Burnett's catch-and-shoot three-pointers and smart cuts to the basket, often finding him open thanks to Mara's passing, were vital. He finished with an efficient 15 points on 10 shots, leading a balanced attack. Cadeau added 17 points, Mara contributed 12, and Yaxel Lendeborg, Cason, Johnson, and Will Tschetter all chipped in with six or more points.
3. Oregon's Underdogs: Evans and Stewart Step Up
With Shelstad and Bittle sidelined, Kwame Evans, Sean Stewart, and Wei Lin stepped up for Oregon. Evans brought energy on the offensive glass, scoring 12 of Oregon's first 17 points. He also played solid defense as part of Oregon's zone, contributing to Michigan's nine first-half turnovers. Stewart added 12 points, including his first three-pointer of the season, and Lin was a reliable scorer from the free-throw line.
Evans, Stewart, and Lin combined for 24 of Oregon's 41 first-half points and 40 points overall, with Stewart posting a new career-high of 22 points. And this is the part most people miss... While they faded in the second half, their contributions kept Oregon competitive for a significant portion of the game.
4. Three-Point Success: The Result of Excellent Ball Movement
Michigan's ball movement, reminiscent of those dominant San Antonio Spurs teams, has been a key to their offensive success. The Wolverines consistently find the open man and knock down three-pointers at a good rate. They hit five of their first 12 attempts (42%) against Oregon, jumping out to an early 17-9 lead.
Burnett and Cadeau hit early three-pointers to spark Michigan's second-half surge. Tschetter's corner three in the second half appeared to be the dagger, extending Michigan's lead to 10 points. The Wolverines finished with 15 assists and shot 39% from beyond the arc. Creating and converting catch-and-shoot opportunities is crucial, especially in tough Big Ten road games.
5. Smaller Lineup: A Glimpse into the Future?
Johnson's foul trouble in the first half forced Michigan to experiment with a smaller lineup, featuring Tschetter and Lendeborg at the center position. While this lineup created offensive opportunities, Oregon exploited the more open paint, driving to the rim effectively.
The absence of Johnson's post presence and Mara's passing ability limited Michigan's inside scoring. The bigs playing more in the second half ultimately helped Michigan regain control. But here's a thought to ponder... As conference play intensifies, should Michigan incorporate the smaller lineup more frequently, preparing for potential foul trouble situations during tournament play?
Up Next:
The Wolverines return home to the Crisler Center for two crucial games this week. They face Indiana on Tuesday, January 20th (7 p.m., Peacock) and Ohio State on Friday, January 23rd (8 p.m., FOX). The Friday game will also honor Trey Burke, raising his jersey (not retiring it) to the rafters before tip-off.
What do you think? Is Michigan a legitimate Final Four contender, or are these inconsistencies a sign of deeper problems? Do you agree that they need to develop more consistent performances? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Are you excited to see Trey Burke honored?
