Michigan Friday: Wow Juwan Howard

Tim Aylen, Battle 4 Atlantis 

Michigan blew UNC off the court on Thanksgiving afternoon.  Yes, it only ended up a 9 point game and UNC made a nice run at the end but that really doesn't tell the entire story.  The Wolverines at one point in the second half were up by 24 points and Coach Roy Williams was so mad at his team he wasn't calling a timeout to stop the run.   Yes, the Tar Heels went completely cold and couldn't throw the ball into the ocean from the Atlantis resort beach, but some of that credit goes to Michigan's defense.   It also goes to show you that pretty much everyone is equal in the NCAA right now and anyone can beat anyone.   It's also clear that Michigan opponents don't want to battle Teske in the low post.  His defense is outstanding!

Brooks had another good game as Michigan's top scorer with 24 and DD brought energy and another good scoring performance with 11 off the bench.

Michigan did have some foul trouble with both Simpson and Livers fouling out.   I also could see both teams were getting a bit tired about midway during the second half.  The Wolverines now will play in the Championship game today against another top 10 team in Gonzaga.   I was glad the Zags beat the Ducks because Michigan is already playing Oregon in a couple of weeks at Crisler.

If Michigan can get Franz Wagner comfortable, this could be really a nice team heading into Big Ten play.   Michigan will continue to have some serious tests with today's championship,  2 Big Ten games in December loom, a trip to probably #1 ranked Louisville, and hosting the Oregon Ducks.