Key Insights from Michigan’s Thrilling Round of 64 Victory Over UC San Diego

Michigan’s latest game was a nail-biter, with the Wolverines narrowly defeating the UCSD Tritons, 68-65, to move into the Round of 32.

The Tritons, making their NCAA Tournament debut, entered with the longest active winning streak in the country at 15 games. They boasted a strong 30-4 record after winning the Big West, although they had not faced any Power 4 schools during the season. This year, they forced turnovers at the second-highest rate in the nation, making them a tough competitor.

Michigan started strong, leading by 14 points at halftime, but the Tritons made a fierce comeback in the second half, quickly reducing that lead. A timely three-pointer from Tre Donaldson and solid rebounding efforts from Vlad Goldin helped Michigan hold on, despite some tense moments down the stretch.

Here’s what stood out from their victory:

Dominating the Paint

Michigan used its size to their advantage, especially with Vlad Goldin scoring consistently near the basket. With 14 points, Goldin showcased his strength and skill, even when facing tight defense. Danny Wolf added nine points, and the Wolverines effectively prioritized drives to the hoop, with Tre Donaldson scoring 12 points. Michigan’s size contributed to a 43-37 advantage on the boards, allowing them to dominate both offensively and defensively in the paint.

Second-Half Struggles

The game shifted after halftime. The Tritons ramped up their defensive pressure, and Michigan struggled to respond, allowing UCSD to go on a 15-3 run. The Wolverines’ turnovers began to accumulate, switching what was once a comfortable lead into a nail-biting finish. A key point to remember is that poor ball handling can jeopardize leads, especially in high-stakes games like this.

Turnovers: A Double-Edged Sword

Though Michigan capitalized on some Triton turnovers, they were quite careless with the ball themselves, committing 14 turnovers overall. Right from the start, they recorded six turnovers within the first eight minutes. This careless play allowed UCSD to stay competitive. If Michigan can find a way to secure the ball better, they could become a much more formidable team in future matchups.

Defense on Point

Defensively, Michigan made it tough for UCSD to find a rhythm. The Tritons struggled early and shot poorly, hitting just 23.3% from three-point range. Michigan’s tight defense forced UCSD to work hard for every basket, limiting their scoring opportunities significantly. Although there were some defensive lapses at the start of the second half, the overall defensive effort was commendable.

Quick Takeaways

• Roddy Gayle Jr. seems to be regaining his form, scoring 11 points in this game.
• L.J. Cason contributed solid minutes, showing his athleticism and willingness to drive, although he faced difficulties finishing his shots.
• Michigan shot well from beyond the arc early on, but they relied too heavily on three-pointers instead of focusing on inside scoring.
• Free-throw shooting needs to improve. Michigan missed key opportunities at the line, hitting only 55% of their attempts.

Next up, Michigan faces 4-seed Texas A&M, with a spot in the Sweet Sixteen on the line. This matchup will take place on Saturday at 5:15 p.m. EST on CBS.

This game highlighted areas for improvement, especially with taking care of the ball. If Michigan can sharpen their play and maintain their defensive intensity, they’ll be poised for success as they continue in the tournament.

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