Things are looking good for the Michigan Wolverines (12-3, 4-0 Big Ten) so far this season. Undefeated in conference play, ranked #24 in the latest AP poll, and currently predicted to earn a #6 seed in March Madness according to ESPN’s latest Bracketology release, the Wolverines currently sit atop the Big Ten standings. They are riding a 4-game win streak heading into the weekend. Michigan’s streak includes two huge Big Ten victories over conference newcomers USC and #22 UCLA with both wins coming by double digits.
The win over UCLA was particularly impressive for the Wolverines. Playing 2,250 miles away from their home court against an opposing defense that lead the conference both in points per game allowed and turnovers forced per game, Michigan put on an offensive clinic, shooting 61.5% from the floor and 53.6% from beyond the three-point arc en route to a 94-75 blowout win over the Bruins. Their performance was so demoralizing to UCLA that Bruins head coach Mick Cronin publicly called out his team’s toughness in the post-game press conference.
Michigan head coach Dusty May took a diplomatic approach following the Wolverines’ impressive victory. Speaking with the media following the victory, May stated:
“No statement… we played a really good basketball game against a great coach, great program and great players. Other than that, we have a long way to go.”
May is clearly trying to avoid letting the current string of success get to his players’ heads. With a long conference slate ahead of them, one slip could make the difference between winning a Big Ten title and losing one.
Michigan guard Tre Donaldson, however, is taking a different approach. During his media availability following the win over UCLA, Donaldson let it be known that Michigan is the team to beat in the Big Ten, and if you want the crown you’ll have to pry it from the hardwood of the Crisler Center, Michigan’s home court:
“I mean, you enjoy it, but we come out here for a reason, to send a message to the Big Ten and get some big wins… We need to show why we’re at the top and why they’re at the bottom when they do come to Crisler… The Big Ten is going to run through Crisler.”
Donaldson’s warning to the rest of the Big Ten isn’t necessarily unwarranted. Michigan is one of only two teams in the Big Ten that are still undefeated in conference play. They lead the conference in field goal percentage, hitting 51.9% of their shots, and Donaldson himself has been on a tear recently, averaging 16.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over the Wolverines’ current win-streak on 55.0% shooting from the floor. Michigan is building an impressive resume as the season continues.
Michigan Wolverines Turnover Struggles
A main point of improvement for the Wolverines moving forward is their turnovers. The team averages 15.2 turnovers per game, by far the highest mark in the Big Ten. The team turned the ball over 16 times in the win over UCLA and 14 times against USC on their recent West Coast road trip. Coach May offered a hopeful outlook on the team’s turnover situation following the win over UCLA:
“You look at all the baskets and plays we created with the same type of aggression, so just continuing to clean things up… but I feel like we’re getting much closer.”
Tre Donaldson’s Trajectory
Tre Donaldson is one of several new additions to the Wolverines roster this season. The 6’3” junior began his career with the Auburn Tigers as a rotation player, appearing in 67 games over two years with Auburn but only starting 10. With Michigan, Donaldson’s usage and efficiency have both exploded. He’s averaging career highs in points, assists, rebounds, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage this season.
The Wolverines next game will be on Sunday January 12. They’ll be hosting the Washington Huskies (10-5, 1-3 Big Ten) in a 2:00 P.M. matinee with television coverage provided by Big Ten Network.
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