3 in 6

The Michigan basketball team just finished a three-game stretch in six days.  The team's performance in those three games is consistent with their chronological order: 

January 13: Convincing win against Michigan State 

January 15: Last second win against Maryland 

January 18: Bad road loss at Nebraska 

Yes, a clean sweep for the week would have been spectacular.  And yes, there are some who are overreacting to Michigan losing by 20 against a Cornhusker team who had yet to beat the Wolverines since joining the Big Ten.  The reality is that Michigan was probably just gassed.  They beat their in-state rival on Saturday.  Had to turn around on Monday evening and win in the final seconds against a good Maryland team.  Then they end the week traveling to Lincoln for a roadie against a hungry Cornhusker team.  

Even if you only managed to catch the first half of the game, you likely noticed sloppy execution by an otherwise disciplined Michigan team.  Lots of turnovers, missed shots under the rim, and generally being outhustled by the Cornhuskers.  All of these signs point to a team that was both mentally and physically tired.  And while there is little rest of the weary, Michigan's weekend matchup on Sunday is against a bad Rutgers team back at home in Crisler.