The Final 5
As the Big Ten regular season winds down, Michigan heads into the homestretch of the season on the road. Michigan plays 3 of the final 5 games on the road. Depending on which bracketologist you read and trust, Michigan not only needs a big finish to the regular season, but a strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament.
Last night, Michigan certainly did not help to achieve that “big finish” dropping a road game against a bad Northwestern team. Michigan’s strong start to the game fizzled at the half when Northwestern cut the lead from 6-3. The second half was all Northwestern as Michigan struggled to make anything from the field.
Michigan’s next 2 games: @Wisconsin and home for Iowa are not only should wins but probably qualify as “must wins.” Wisconsin is having a rare down year for a program that has been very successful over the last 15 years. Iowa is also struggling this year having already lost to Michigan in Iowa City.
Michigan then has their final chance for a Top-25 win against Ohio State at the Crisler Center on February 18. The Wolverines let a chance to beat the Buckeyes slip through their hands when they played them in Columbus in early December. Since then, the Buckeyes have gone on to surprise everyone. The Buckeyes are not only heading back to the Big Ten Tournament, but pose a legitimate threat to win the Big Ten Tournament.
Michigan’s final 2 games of the year are road contests against the scrappy Penn State Nittany Lions and the season finale against the Maryland Terrapins. Michigan should try to split these last 2 games as they head into the *early* Big Ten Tournament in New York City (Thanks Jim Delaney).
What seems to be plaguing Michigan of late is their inconsistent offensive production. Last night could not have started better against Northwestern. Michigan played a solid first half. But as the second half unfolded, Michigan was unable to generate any offensive rhythm. Duncan Robinson struggled from behind the arc, and with making layups. Michigan seemed to struggle with Northwestern’s more physical forwards. It will take a better effort in the final 5 games of the year if Michigan wants to guarantee a spot in the field and secure a higher seed in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament.
Last night, Michigan certainly did not help to achieve that “big finish” dropping a road game against a bad Northwestern team. Michigan’s strong start to the game fizzled at the half when Northwestern cut the lead from 6-3. The second half was all Northwestern as Michigan struggled to make anything from the field.
Michigan’s next 2 games: @Wisconsin and home for Iowa are not only should wins but probably qualify as “must wins.” Wisconsin is having a rare down year for a program that has been very successful over the last 15 years. Iowa is also struggling this year having already lost to Michigan in Iowa City.
Michigan then has their final chance for a Top-25 win against Ohio State at the Crisler Center on February 18. The Wolverines let a chance to beat the Buckeyes slip through their hands when they played them in Columbus in early December. Since then, the Buckeyes have gone on to surprise everyone. The Buckeyes are not only heading back to the Big Ten Tournament, but pose a legitimate threat to win the Big Ten Tournament.
Michigan’s final 2 games of the year are road contests against the scrappy Penn State Nittany Lions and the season finale against the Maryland Terrapins. Michigan should try to split these last 2 games as they head into the *early* Big Ten Tournament in New York City (Thanks Jim Delaney).
What seems to be plaguing Michigan of late is their inconsistent offensive production. Last night could not have started better against Northwestern. Michigan played a solid first half. But as the second half unfolded, Michigan was unable to generate any offensive rhythm. Duncan Robinson struggled from behind the arc, and with making layups. Michigan seemed to struggle with Northwestern’s more physical forwards. It will take a better effort in the final 5 games of the year if Michigan wants to guarantee a spot in the field and secure a higher seed in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament.
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