Maize&BlueReview – Three takeaways from Michigan’s 93-84 loss to Iowa

Jett Howard, Payton Sandfort and Kris Murray placed on a present in Iowa Metropolis on Thursday night time in what was undoubtedly one of the vital thrilling video games of the Huge Ten basketball season. In the end, Howard’s efficiency wasn’t sufficient, as Michigan left Carver-Hawkeye area with a 93-84 loss to Iowa.

Listed below are three takeaways from the fast-paced, thrilling sport.

This might not be the takeaway that Michigan followers need to hear, but it surely’s the reality. Howard got here out extraordinarily scorching from the ground, scoring Michigan’s first 11 factors. He did not cease there, although, as he tied his career-high in factors via 20 minutes of motion.

Within the first half, he shot 8-11 from the ground and 5-6 from deep in 17 minutes of motion. The freshman was nearly unstoppable at creating his personal shot. He drove into the paint, pulled up off the dribble and he even pulled up from the Hawkeye emblem at one level within the first half.

He completed with 34 factors on 12-22 taking pictures and 7-13 from the ground. Though it wasn’t sufficient to get Michigan the win, it was an impressive efficiency from the freshman within the loss.

There’s nonetheless loads of season left, however Howard ought to be anticipated to be a lottery choose each time he does determine to enter his title within the NBA Draft.

Iowa is not recognized for its nice protection. The truth is, the Hawkeyes are infamous for his or her poor protection which ends up in greater scoring video games. Thursday night time was no completely different.

Nonetheless, simply 5 days after it put out a season-low 53 factors, Michigan’s offense was clicking at an impressive fee. The Wolverines shot higher than 50% from the ground and from 3-point vary within the first half, they usually saved it up for many of the second half, too.

If Michigan desires to significantly contend for a Huge Ten championship within the subsequent two months, it must discover some type of consistency on the offensive finish of the ground. The Wolverines have been a stable offensive crew up to now this season, however incompetent scoring performances just like the one on Saturday is not going to bode effectively for Michigan.

Michigan’s trio of freshmen, Jett Howard, Dug McDaniel and Tarris Reed, have been incredible within the tight loss to Iowa. Howard’s efficiency speaks for itself, and McDaniel made some clutch pictures within the closing minutes, however Reed’s efficiency is price noting.

Terrance Williams’ subpar play has left the Wolverines with a little bit of a query mark on the energy ahead place, however Reed would be the reply to that query. The 6-foot-10 freshman did not mild up the stat sheet, however he made a couple of essential performs down the stretch to assist Michigan to the close to victory.

Reed completed with two factors, however he additionally had seven rebounds and a essential steal of Iowa’s Kris Murray with about 2:30 to play within the sport. The freshman may very well be the reply that Michigan has in search of to play alongside Dickinson down low. Though it did not translate to a win, Reed confirmed glorious flashes and he ought to see a extra substantial function going ahead.

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