Michigan Basketball's Exhibition Loss: What We Learned
Friday night marked the return of the Michigan men's basketball team, igniting anticipation for what many hope will be a triumphant season. Their first test? A face-off against the Cincinnati Bearcats in an exhibition game, the first such meeting between the two teams in 33 years! Historically, Michigan holds a 3-1 edge in their all-time series, with their last encounter being a memorable victory in the 1992 NCAA Final Four.
Unfortunately, the Wolverines stumbled out of the gate, displaying offensive struggles that led to a significant deficit. They found themselves in a 15-point hole, which ballooned to 20 before halftime. Though Yaxel Lendeborg's impressive performance sparked a comeback in the second half, and some clutch three-pointers made it a nail-biting finish, Cincinnati ultimately secured the win with a score of 100-98. Let's dive into some key takeaways from this exhibition game.
Injury Update
Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara were sidelined for Friday's game. Morez, however, assured fans that his absence was due to a minor issue and that he anticipates being ready for the regular season. A member of the coaching staff also confirmed Mara's expected readiness for the season's start, attributing his absence to precautionary measures.
With both players out, Michigan's starting lineup featured Yaxel Lendeborg, Will Tschetter, Elliot Cadeau, Nimari Burnett, and Roddy Gayle Jr. Malick Kordel saw limited minutes at the 5 position, but Michigan largely stuck with this smaller lineup. Notably, Lendeborg and Tschetter seemed to rarely be on the bench simultaneously.
Yaxel Lendeborg: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Lendeborg was undeniably the standout player on the court. Within the first seven minutes, he showcased his skills with a corner three-pointer and a dunk off an alley-oop from Elliot Cadeau. His defensive presence was equally impactful, as he recorded a steal and used his length to disrupt the Bearcats. He also excelled in transition, demonstrating a game awareness that seemed a step ahead of everyone else.
His performance ignited Michigan's offense in the second half, with him scoring 9 points in just three minutes, bringing Michigan back within 11 and prompting a Cincinnati timeout. He finished with an impressive 31 points and 12 rebounds in 30 minutes. He is going to be a whole lot of fun to watch this season, especially when Michigan is fully healthy.
Turnovers: A Recurring Nightmare
Turnovers, a persistent issue from last season, continued to plague the Wolverines. In the first half alone, Michigan committed 14 turnovers, 8 more than Cincinnati. While they improved in the second half, the team still finished with a total of 19 turnovers. Many of these turnovers seemed to stem from the team's lack of cohesion and familiarity.
Elliot Cadeau: The Speedster
Cadeau's speed was a defining characteristic of his game. He excelled in the pick-and-roll, driving to the basket effectively and even completing an impressive and-one play early on. His commitment to penetrating the paint was evident, and his court vision was also solid. He connected with Lendeborg on a spectacular alley-oop, one of the game's highlights for Michigan.
Additionally, Cadeau drew numerous fouls, attempting 15 free throws and making 12. He finished with 14 points, four fewer than Roddy Gayle Jr., Michigan's second-leading scorer. Cadeau's playmaking abilities, finding shooters and lob threats, were a definite asset to the team.
Free Throw Frenzy
The referees seemed to be in midseason form, as the game saw a staggering 60 free throws in the first 30 minutes of play. Both teams combined to shoot 83 free throws. Michigan, however, shot better from the charity stripe (85 percent to 63 percent). The constant interruptions from the officials disrupted the game's flow, making it difficult for either team to establish a rhythm.
Two Key Contributors from Beyond the Arc
Three-pointers were crucial in Michigan's comeback attempt, with significant contributions from both a returning player and a freshman. Tschetter, stepping up with the bigs out, handled the ball well and distributed effectively. He hit back-to-back three-pointers in the second half to cut the deficit to five. He finished with 15 points, played solid interior defense, and showcased his speed in transition.
Freshman Winters Grady also made his mark, hitting two crucial three-pointers in the second half. His confidence from beyond the arc could earn him playing time if he can maintain his defensive performance.
Freshman Focus
The first three players off the bench were freshmen: Trey McKenney, redshirt Oscar Goodman, and Grady. Malick Kordel and Ricky Liburd also saw limited minutes. Grady stood out the most, while the rest of the group appeared to still be finding their footing.
McKenney struggled initially, but he improved as the game went on. Goodman showed promise defensively but didn't play much in the second half. Kordel and Liburd, in their limited minutes, seemed to be adjusting to the intensity of college basketball.
Play of the Night
L.J. Cason was on the receiving end of a highlight play, as Cincinnati's Shon Abaev made a powerful dunk over him. Abaev's technical foul for flexing on Cason offered a small consolation.
Remember, It's Just an Exhibition
It's important to remember that this was just an exhibition game. While the turnovers and offensive struggles are concerning, they provide valuable lessons. As Coach Dusty May mentioned, these non-counting games are an opportunity to identify weaknesses. Michigan needs to improve ball control, and the team still has time to build chemistry. The hope is that these issues will be addressed in the upcoming games, including the exhibition against a strong St. John's team in New York next week.
What are your thoughts on Michigan's performance? Do you think the turnovers are a major concern, or are you optimistic about the team's potential? Share your opinions in the comments below!
