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A few weeks ago, coming off an impressive upset of UCLA, Michigan was handed a reminder by the Duke Blue Devils that their basketball program wasn't quite all the way back just yet. A second chance -- this time at home -- was all the Wolverines needed. On the strength of DeShawn Sims' 28-point and 12-rebound effort and Duke's abysmal long-range shooting, Michigan basketball took another huge step in their rebuilding process with an 81-73 victory today.
Duke was too reliant on the outside shot. They were a terrible 7-of-33 from three-point territory, and this reliance also contributed to their only visiting the free throw line six times (they made four). The Blue Devils, however, will be just fine. It was their second straight road game, and we all know they don't play on the road outside their conference often. They'll rarely shoot so poorly from three, and you can count on Coach Krzyzewski stressing the importance of offensive variety after this loss.
The real story in this game was Michigan. I had already written their program was on its way back.
Now, everyone has to take note. Their only two losses this season came to Duke -- which they obviously just avenged -- and on the road in Maryland. They've now beaten two highly touted programs in UCLA and Duke, and the young roster will only get better as they gather confidence. After this game, you can bet they'll have a swagger at home. This is the kind of game that makes a young team think, "no one comes in here and wins."
As long as they don't take a step backwards at home against Eastern Michigan next week, Michigan is a sleeper team in the Big Ten. It would behoove Michigan State, Purdue, and Wisconsin to keep their eyes on the young ones from Ann Arbor. They are here to stay.
A final note: Jay Bilas was working the game for ESPN. He was very critical of Michigan for finally showing Tommy Amaker the door before last season. You know, because they are friends and both went to Duke, I'm guessing. John Beilein's got this program headed towards the top of the Big Ten in just over a year. I wonder if he still thinks it was a bad move? If so, he's certainly in the minority.
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