Honestly, that was dreadful. MGoBlue made a fine attempt to look on the bright side, but there's just no way around this loss.
22 turnovers. -13 on the o-boards. And 17 points for the Aggies' Danielle Adams in 24 minutes.
The first two are particularly troubling. According to what's out there, Texas A&M's defense was described as "stifling" as it recorded 10 steals for the night. As a result, the combined points off turnovers and offensive rebounds were greatly in the Aggies' favor, 32-14.
The Wolverines once again came out cold to begin the second half and allowed Texas A&M to take a stranglehold of the game. Kate Thompson, as mentioned in the MGoBlue post, was the lone bright spot and prevented the Aggies from making this an obliteration.
Another sorta bright spot: Michigan became the first team to prevent Texas A&M from earning 80+ points in a night. (hooray) But just to balance it out, the Wolverines have not won a game where they allowed 60 or more points - I guess 60 is the magic number for the season.
We'll hopefully have more detail (aka team reaction) once the articles get turned loose. In the meantime, Michigan squares off against Wake Forest as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge Wednesday night at 6:30. If you're not at Crisler, you can watch it on the Big Ten Network.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Game 5: Michigan 69, Buffalo 49
(I can't get any audio from this game, so this one's going to be relatively plain.)
The Wolverines took care of business against Buffalo, and credit that to the defense. Michigan forced 18 turnovers with six different Wolverines recording steals.
And oh yeah, Sam Arnold got a double-double - 13 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes.
From what I'm gathering (but may be wrong), Michigan established its lead gradually. The Wolverines limited the Bulls to .322 from the field and generated a 10-point advantage in each half.
But as we all know, the tougher game comes tomorrow. No. 8 Texas A&M will look to preserve its undefeated season with senior forward Danielle Adams at the helm. Excluding today's game, Adams averages 23.1 ppg as the Aggies have scored 80+ points in every game thus far.
Junior guard Tyra White has also shown the ability to score with 20 today versus Arizona. However, the nine-point win against the Wildcats is the closest a team has been this season. It was Arizona's 21 turnovers that ultimately doomed its chances at an upset.
And that is exactly the key in tomorrow's game. Texas A&M thrives off the transition game and will look to make quick work as they don't allow the shot clock to expire much. The Aggies have forced an average of 25+ turnovers, including 20 against the Wildcats.
Michigan will also have to be gritty on the boards. I believe the Wolverines stack up height-wise, but Texas A&M has out-rebounded its opponents pretty handily. I'd expect a way to subdue Adams as much as possible and make others step up.
I think an upset is much more possible this time around rather than Xavier. With Michigan able to regain its swagger after two wins, this one might be a barnburner.
Tip-off is 9:30p tomorrow night. Until then, beat the buckeyes!
The Wolverines took care of business against Buffalo, and credit that to the defense. Michigan forced 18 turnovers with six different Wolverines recording steals.
And oh yeah, Sam Arnold got a double-double - 13 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes.
From what I'm gathering (but may be wrong), Michigan established its lead gradually. The Wolverines limited the Bulls to .322 from the field and generated a 10-point advantage in each half.
But as we all know, the tougher game comes tomorrow. No. 8 Texas A&M will look to preserve its undefeated season with senior forward Danielle Adams at the helm. Excluding today's game, Adams averages 23.1 ppg as the Aggies have scored 80+ points in every game thus far.
Junior guard Tyra White has also shown the ability to score with 20 today versus Arizona. However, the nine-point win against the Wildcats is the closest a team has been this season. It was Arizona's 21 turnovers that ultimately doomed its chances at an upset.
And that is exactly the key in tomorrow's game. Texas A&M thrives off the transition game and will look to make quick work as they don't allow the shot clock to expire much. The Aggies have forced an average of 25+ turnovers, including 20 against the Wildcats.
Michigan will also have to be gritty on the boards. I believe the Wolverines stack up height-wise, but Texas A&M has out-rebounded its opponents pretty handily. I'd expect a way to subdue Adams as much as possible and make others step up.
I think an upset is much more possible this time around rather than Xavier. With Michigan able to regain its swagger after two wins, this one might be a barnburner.
Tip-off is 9:30p tomorrow night. Until then, beat the buckeyes!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Game 3: at Marquette 63, Michigan 49
(I know this is coming a few days late, but Friday nights aren't really optimal times for blogging. My bad.)
Anyway, that was a stinker - but it's a little bit expected. Let's gather the evidence:
1.) First away game for the young Wolverines
Yes, the sophomores have notched a season under their belt, but without that strong upperclassman presence, it's relatively hard to get it going on the road. The same happened last year against then-No. 19 Kansas last year (77-66).
2.) The Wolverines are extremely weak on the inside
But man, that was bad. The Golden Eagles' tallest players are listed at 6'3" and were still able to boss around Michigan in the paint - +6 o-rebs for Marquette. If this is the way it's gonna be all season, the Wolverines must limit the turnovers (10-12 max). Second chance points are bad enough - add points off turnovers, and you've got disaster written all over it.
3.) Michigan is cold coming out of the break
Coach Borseth admitted in his post-game quote that his team had no rhythm offensively - .362 from the field. But what's alarming is how sluggish the Wolverines come out after the break. They didn't score a point until 5:37 passed by in the second half. Against Alcorn State, Michigan went about 3.5 minutes without a point after a quick bucket to start the half. Xavier turned a three-point lead to 14 (its largest) following halftime.
Indiana State will be an interesting matchup for the Wolverines. I think the Sycamores size up fairly evenly and like the Wolverines, stuck around in games with ranked teams. To throw a little history into the fire, Indiana State is 2-0 against Michigan in Terra Haute.
Don't think we'll get around to an all-out preview tomorrow, so just in case, tomorrow's game is at 7:05p. You can follow it on WTKA AM 1050 or online at MGoBlue.com.
Anyway, that was a stinker - but it's a little bit expected. Let's gather the evidence:
1.) First away game for the young Wolverines
Yes, the sophomores have notched a season under their belt, but without that strong upperclassman presence, it's relatively hard to get it going on the road. The same happened last year against then-No. 19 Kansas last year (77-66).
2.) The Wolverines are extremely weak on the inside
But man, that was bad. The Golden Eagles' tallest players are listed at 6'3" and were still able to boss around Michigan in the paint - +6 o-rebs for Marquette. If this is the way it's gonna be all season, the Wolverines must limit the turnovers (10-12 max). Second chance points are bad enough - add points off turnovers, and you've got disaster written all over it.
3.) Michigan is cold coming out of the break
Coach Borseth admitted in his post-game quote that his team had no rhythm offensively - .362 from the field. But what's alarming is how sluggish the Wolverines come out after the break. They didn't score a point until 5:37 passed by in the second half. Against Alcorn State, Michigan went about 3.5 minutes without a point after a quick bucket to start the half. Xavier turned a three-point lead to 14 (its largest) following halftime.
Indiana State will be an interesting matchup for the Wolverines. I think the Sycamores size up fairly evenly and like the Wolverines, stuck around in games with ranked teams. To throw a little history into the fire, Indiana State is 2-0 against Michigan in Terra Haute.
Don't think we'll get around to an all-out preview tomorrow, so just in case, tomorrow's game is at 7:05p. You can follow it on WTKA AM 1050 or online at MGoBlue.com.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Game 2: Xavier 85, at Michigan 76
The Wolverines came up just short to No. 5 Xavier in tonight's matchup at Crisler Arena. Inexperience showed down the stretch as fouls and turnovers ultimately doomed Michigan to its first loss of the season.
That being said, there are a lot of positives to be taken away from this. Down 14 with 10:38 to go, the Wolverines battled back with a 15-3 run to come within striking distance. The team put up a staggering 2.2 assist/turnover ratio, which is the highest I've seen in a long while (if ever). From what the box score says, it looks like good disciplined play minus the final minutes.
It was a given that height (Harris & Phillips in particular) was going to be a factor: the Musketeers finished with a +15 rebound margin and more than doubled Michigan on the o-boards. 22 of Xavier's 85 points were on second chances.
Sophomore guard Katie Rutan did her damage to the Wolverines all behind the arc - and all in the first half. Her 22 points were Xavier's response to Michigan's defense down low. Rutan's hot hand may have allowed Harris and Phillips to take advantage in the second half, finishing with 16 and 18 points, respectively.
Like Rutan, junior guard Carmen Reynolds took care of all her scoring from downtown and on the charity strip. In 36 minutes, she finished with 11 and was one of five Wolverines in double-figures. Roni Hicks led Michigan with 22. However, the Wolverines failed to score a FG in the final 2:44 of the ball-game.
It seems that these are going to be the growing pains that Michigan will endure this season. I think it's clear that Kate Thompson will have to shine, whether it's off the bench or not. But I'm more than satisfied with Roni's leadership (though I'm not surprised one bit). Against the 5th-ranked team in the nation, this ain't too devastating.
This 'n that:
- UM now holds a 3-2 all-time series advantage over the Musketeers
- Reported attendance was 1,579 (a bit sad...actually, the more I think about it, I guess it's right)
- Michigan was 60.7% from the field in the first half, and still trailed by three (47-44)
That being said, there are a lot of positives to be taken away from this. Down 14 with 10:38 to go, the Wolverines battled back with a 15-3 run to come within striking distance. The team put up a staggering 2.2 assist/turnover ratio, which is the highest I've seen in a long while (if ever). From what the box score says, it looks like good disciplined play minus the final minutes.
It was a given that height (Harris & Phillips in particular) was going to be a factor: the Musketeers finished with a +15 rebound margin and more than doubled Michigan on the o-boards. 22 of Xavier's 85 points were on second chances.
Sophomore guard Katie Rutan did her damage to the Wolverines all behind the arc - and all in the first half. Her 22 points were Xavier's response to Michigan's defense down low. Rutan's hot hand may have allowed Harris and Phillips to take advantage in the second half, finishing with 16 and 18 points, respectively.
Like Rutan, junior guard Carmen Reynolds took care of all her scoring from downtown and on the charity strip. In 36 minutes, she finished with 11 and was one of five Wolverines in double-figures. Roni Hicks led Michigan with 22. However, the Wolverines failed to score a FG in the final 2:44 of the ball-game.
It seems that these are going to be the growing pains that Michigan will endure this season. I think it's clear that Kate Thompson will have to shine, whether it's off the bench or not. But I'm more than satisfied with Roni's leadership (though I'm not surprised one bit). Against the 5th-ranked team in the nation, this ain't too devastating.
This 'n that:
- UM now holds a 3-2 all-time series advantage over the Musketeers
- Reported attendance was 1,579 (a bit sad...actually, the more I think about it, I guess it's right)
- Michigan was 60.7% from the field in the first half, and still trailed by three (47-44)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Game 1: at Michigan 88, Alcorn State 43
Michigan stormed out of the gate for the 2010-2011 season with a thwomping (albeit expected) of Alcorn State.
The Wolverines went lockdown on Alcorn State allowing just nine points in first half (45-9). The Braves went 4-for-29 in the first half, committed 18 turnovers and never made a trip to the free-throw stripe. I'd say that's a pretty good way to start the season.
Michigan would never let the lead go under 30 in the second half, however Coach Kevin Borseth notes that some fresh Wolverines "hit the wall at the end of the first half." That seems expected from the young guns, but there's no mercy when the Big Ten season starts (and even next game v. Xavier).
Michigan made it rain from 3-ball land with 38% of shots attempted being from behind the arc. Sophomore forward Kate Thompson was responsible for five of those triples, finishing with 15 points - leading all scores - for the night.
Borseth doesn't expect the majority of shots to come from long range, saying that Alcorn State gave them those shots. For some perspective though, 36% of all field goal attempts were three-pointers. I'm just saying.
From what I'm gathering, it looks like rebounds are going to be an issue all season. According to what's out there, Thompson is going to need to bulk up (as well as others I'm sure).
There's not much else to say about this one - the first real test comes Monday. It may be too much of one at this moment, but you never know.
New Season
As I mentioned last year, I've got a lot going on besides this blog and if anyone out there would be interested in helping out, let me know. The season starts tonight and there a number of things to catch up from the off season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)