A week ago, we had Duke’s 118-84 shocker over Kentucky. Now in week two, in a rematch of last year’s national title game, another stunner, with Michigan pummeling defending champ Villanova, 73-46, in a game that wasn’t even as close as the final score. Halftime score had the Wolverines up 44-17 with one turnover. Might have imagined this happening if these school’s were playing in football.
Okay, so the Wildcats’ expectations
Looks like Michigan will build its hopes for continued national success on the defensive end. Normally, John Beilein-coached teams are built around intricate offense but give him credit for loosening the reigns and letting his troops freelance more off the dribble, with some obvious positive early season results. More freedom on the offensive end means less practice time devoted to complicated offensive schemes and more time to focus on defense.
Which was surely bad news for Villanova. With their normally high-powered spread dribble-drive offense, the Wildcats looked uncomfortable from start to finish and were clearly outmatched by Michigan’s suffocating defense. Villanova, a team that thrives on 3-point shooting, was just 3-of-15 from the arc against the Wolverines for a measly 20%. Perhaps even more impressive than that stat for Michigan’s D was that the Wildcats got off only 15 attempts — normally they are looking to shoot 30+.
With their athleticism 1 through 5, Michigan has a chance to be an elite defensive team. “We have five or six guys who can go out and guard their man individually,” said Beilein afterward.
The biggest challenge for Michigan this season will be on the offensive end. Coming into the Villanova game, the Wolverines had struggled offensively, and even in this one, many of their 73 points came off their defense. Still, with their stingy D, the Wolverines should have enough weapons to be a factor in March Madness. Michigan will be strong at the forward position, with returning starter Charles Matthews scoring 19 vs. the Wildcats and freshman Ignas Brazdeikis adding 18.
On the other bench, it was a tough night for Villanova’s star forward Eric Paschall. You could tell this wasn’t going to be Paschall’s night when he missed his first three shots (all very makeable) at the rim on strong drives. It took Paschall all the way to the two-minute mark of the first half to make a field goal, making sure with a dunk. Give Michigan’s basket protection defense credit for forcing Paschall into 3-of-14 shooting. I had remembered Paschall taking more 3’s last season and was surprised when his game was all-drive against Michigan. Taking just one shot from the arc, Paschall was more predictable for the Wolverines to guard. Sure enough, when I pulled up the stats from last season, I noticed that of the 270 shots Paschall attempted last season, 101 were 3’s (36% made). Paschall is a good player who I am sure will have a solid season and have a chance to play at the next level. A more balanced approach on the offensive end will help him get back on track.
Meanwhile, don’t expect a Jay Wright-coached Villanova team to stay down too long. Wright is without question one of the best coaches in the country. Two national championships in the last three years at a school that is a good college basketball job but certainly not Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky or Kansas.
Some final thoughts on last year’s rematch. Have to admit my mind was wandering a little during this surprisingly uncompetitive game. Is it my imagination, or does Villanova’s arena look like a giant spaceship? The Wildcats were surely Lost in Space (Danger Jay Wright! Danger!) in this one!
Coach…another great job providing an excellent read. Love all of the history Thanks again Coach!!!!!
Nice one, Jim…..
Will wait a little while longer for your take on Wayne Tinkle and the job he is doing at THE Oregon State University : }