B1G Recap: (10) Michigan – 79, Nebraska – 50

                   Zak Irvin hitting one of his four triples on the night (Bryan Fuller/MGoBlog)

B1G Recap: (10) Michigan – 79, Nebraska – 50

            In a year of craziness and unexpected results on a nightly basis in the Big Ten, this was certainly a change of pace from the norm. Michigan, coming off its worst performance of the year on Sunday in Bloomington, came out and pounded the Huskers early and often. Up by as much as 42 in the second half, this game was a rout from the start. Back-to-back early three pointers by Caris LeVert jump-started the Michigan shooting attack. Freshman Zak Irvin had the best game of his young Wolverine career, scoring 16 off the bench, including four triples. Nik Stauskas, who struggled against constant off-ball switching defense by the Hoosiers on Sunday, was a focal point of the Nebraska defense, and unable to get many open looks at the hoop. He still found a way to impact the game, recording eight assists and providing solid defense in shutting down Nebraska’s leading scorer, Terran Petteway. Glenn Robinson III led the team in scoring with 23, including three triples. Even with a lazy finish in the 2nd half, Michigan was still able to score at a rate of 1.26 PPP. 

           

Nebraska, to no avail, tried to employ both man-to-man and zone defenses. In their man-to-man sets, Derrick Walton, Stauskas, and LeVert were able to find driving lanes and kick to open teammates around the perimeter as the defense collapsed. Michigan made an astounding 13 triples on the night. When Nebraska went into a 2-3 zone look, not much changed. Michigan was able to use a shooter effectively to break up the middle of the zone, and was still unable to be stopped. They shot over the top of the zone with lanky scorers Irvin, LeVert, and Robinson III hitting from long range all night.

           

Michigan’s ball-screen defense was torched a month ago in Lincoln, but was surprisingly good last night. Michigan has never been known for its D under Beilein, but they are certainly making strides over the course of B1G play, as you would expect of a young team. Holding Nebraska to just 0.79 PPP, it was one of Michigan’s best defensive efforts this year. Jordan Morgan and Jon Horford were able to effectively hedge Nebraska's ball handlers into uncomfortable situations out of pick and rolls. When they were unable to drive to the hoop, they often panicked and forced bad shots. Credit the big men on a setting a nice tone defensively. 

           

Up next for the Wolverines is a trip to #17 Iowa this Saturday. Iowa, coming off three losses in their past five games, is looking to exact revenge on the Wolverines after losing in Ann Arbor just two weeks ago. Tip is set for 2 PM on ESPN.