Ann Arbor, MI – Michigan, coming off an impressive 70-50 victory over Elon University, faced the Houston Baptist Huskies. Both teams were headed in totally different directions, Michigan trying to add to their three game winning streak, and Houston Baptist trying to stop their three losing streak. This contest was proof that the Huskies were over-matched as the Wolverines went on a 14-point run in the first half to break the contest wide open in their 111-68 victory.
The leading scorers for the Wolverines were Isaiah Livers (24 points), Zavier Simpson (22 points and 5 rebounds), and Colin Castleton (14 points). The Huskies’ leading scorers were, Ian Dubose (16 points and 7 rebounds), Jalon Gates (15 points and 4 rebounds), and Myles Pierre (13 points).
After the first three minutes, Michigan went on their 14-point run and never looked back. The guards of Michigan showed their length and speed on the perimeter. They also had too much quickness on defense as they used their length to create turnovers and fast-break opportunities. Michigan played a hybrid match-up-zone forcing the Huskies to delay their offensive progress just enough to trap their guards at the top of the arc. Michigan’s bigs also received opportunities to showcase their dribbling and handles by dropping backdoor dimes to quick cutting guards for easy shot attempts. By halftime, the Wolverines were up 37 points, 63-26.
In the second half, it was more of the same but, the style of play changed as Michigan played a more aggressive offensive inside game. Center Jon Teske showed some interior muscle and grabbed 12 rebounds with strong “block-outs” in the post (on both ends). Houston Baptist’s bigs didn’t have a chance to buy a rebound. This blow-out gave bench player Colin Castleton a chance to show his offensive talents. Castleton ran the break, grabbed two offensive boards and showed off his handles as he helped to increase the lead with the second unit. Houston Baptist’s, Jalon Gates tried to cut into the Michigan lead with a few last minute 3-pointers but the damage had been done in Michigan’s 43-point win.
Some stats of note from the contest: Michigan shot 55.8 percent from the field, 48.3 percent on three-pointers and 68.8 percent from the free throw line. Houston Baptist shot 36.6 percent from the field, 34.8 percent on 3s and 61.5 percent from the free throw line.
Michigan’s next opponent will be Iowa State on Wednesday November 27th in Ann Arbor while Houston Baptist with play at of Houston on Tuesday night.
This article was written by Thomas Smith II, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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