[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ichigan came home to the friendly confines of Crisler Arena as it took on an underperforming Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-12). Michigan (13-5) came into tonight’s game previously playing arguably three of the toughest teams in the Big Ten Conference.
Fans watching from the stands could see that the Wolverines weren’t taking the Golden Gophers seriously who are winless in the Big Ten this season (0-7 after tonight’s game). At moments during the game, the Wolverines had multiple opportunities to put the game away but were unable to do so either due to poor shooting or turnovers.
After the game guard Zak Irvin said “I know this wasn’t a pretty win for us, but I was just proud how we were able to fight and get the win.” Irvin was one of the few shinning stars in tonight’s game as he accounted for 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Michigan won despite only shooting 36% from the field, that doesn’t speak well of a team that is usually a pretty good shooting team. Derrick Walton Jr was the only other Wolverine to finish the game in double figures with 22.
Before the end of the first half, Michigan led 37-22 but Minnesota went on an 8-0 run to only let the Wolverines have a seven point lead heading into the second half.
The Wolverines were without Caris LeVert who missed his 5th game with a lower body injury but that shouldn’t be something preventing the Wolverines from not performing well on the floor. It could’ve been that the previous three games have taken their toll on the team but one thing is for sure, the Wolverines will need to get back to their season form if they wish to make a run towards a NCAA Tournament berth.
All wasn’t lost tonight with the Wolverines, they were able to hold one of the Minnesota’s top shooter to only 3 points the entire game and his only points came in the final minute. Minnesota’s best player of the game came from Nate Mason who had 25 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists.
Michigan now gets ready to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers who upset the Michigan State Spartans 72-71. They will have to play much better than they did tonight to beat the Cornhuskers.
Michigan will take on Nebraska on Saturday in Lincoln at 2PM.
