The Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team keeps rolling, picking up another blowout with an 89-61 win over Villanova. That’s six straight wins by at least 25 points, which is wild—these guys are on a tear.
The game at Crisler Center felt over by halftime. Michigan led by 30, and their paint scoring alone beat Villanova’s entire first-half output.
Michigan’s first-half attack just overwhelmed Villanova. The Wolverines scored 30 points in the paint before the break, while Villanova managed only 23 total.
The Wildcats couldn’t get much going. They shot 3-for-11 from two-point range and coughed up 10 turnovers before halftime.
Michigan’s Dominance on Display
Right from the start, Michigan looked sharp and confident. Their strategy worked, and the players seemed locked in.
Elliot’s Impact on the Game
The point guard, Elliot, really set the tone. He dropped 15 points in the first half alone.
Villanova kept going under high ball screens, and Elliot made them pay for it. Coach Dusty May called out Elliot’s defense and smarts, saying he just knows how to read the game and take advantage.
- Defensive Tenacity: Elliot’s become a real pest for opposing guards, always in their space.
- Basketball IQ: He just sees things before they happen and makes quick, smart decisions.
- Shooting Skills: That jump shot of his? Smooth and reliable, especially when the team needs a bucket.
Handling Success and External Pressure
The Wolverines keep climbing in the polls—No. 2 in the AP Top 25 right now. With that kind of attention, it’s tough to block out the noise.
Coach May made it clear: the team can’t let outside voices mess with their focus. He said the stuff players hear from outside doesn’t always line up with what they’re trying to do in-house.
Lessons from Mo Wagner
May mentioned a chat with Mo Wagner, who left Michigan for the NBA after his junior year. Wagner admitted he spent that year thinking about the NBA and nearly missed out on enjoying college ball.
It’s a good reminder—these guys should savor this time, even as they chase their goals.
Areas for Improvement
Even with the blowout, Coach May spotted things to fix. Michigan finished with 12 turnovers, and eight of those came in the second half.
He wants to see fewer turnovers and better catch-and-shoot threes. Those little things matter, especially against tougher teams.
Depth and Versatility
Michigan’s bench is a real asset. May pointed out they can go deep into the rotation without any major drop-off.
This kind of depth keeps everyone fresh and lets them adjust on the fly, no matter what the other team throws at them.
- Rotation Depth: They’ve got nine guys in the mix, and honestly, any of them could start on most teams.
- Shared Sacrifice: The players get it—they’re all willing to give up a little for the bigger picture.
Looking Ahead
Next up, Michigan faces Maryland. The focus stays on getting better, tightening up the rough spots, and making sure they’re ready for whatever comes their way.
Maintaining Momentum
Keeping up the momentum from their recent wins matters a lot for the Wolverines. Coach May keeps reminding everyone to stay grounded and focused.
He wants the team to avoid getting complacent and to keep working hard in practice. How they handle success and deal with outside pressure will shape what happens next.
For more insights and updates on Michigan’s basketball team, check out the Michigan football transfer portal tracker.
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