6 days Ago
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Despite a performance that left first-year head coach Dusty May both relieved and concerned, Michigan found its footing Friday night, securing a 76-64 victory over TCU. The Wolverines (2-1) emerged from their recent Wake Forest setback determined to protect their home court against a TCU program that has become a March Madness fixture.
Yet what unfolded at Crisler Center was less a demonstration of precision than a testament to persistence. Michigan's first half was an embarrassing display of unfocused ball movement, as the Wolverines committed 16 turnovers through a dizzying array of miscues. Errant passes, traveling violations, and lost possessions plagued nearly every member of May's rotation, allowing TCU to attempt 12 more shots before intermission.
Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images "We were playing a little bit too fast," May said , addressing his team's ball security issues. "We're a bigger, less playmaking team off the bounce and when you drive, they collapse. So you have to have great off-ball movement, have to have ball fakes; we were over-penetrating.
" Yet, when Michigan did manage to attempt shots amid the chaos, the Wolverines' efficiency proved decisive. The Wolverines connected on 50% of their field goals (26-of-52) while holding TCU to a mere 34.4% shooting performance.
The game's momentum shifted multiple times in the second half, with TCU closing the gap to within two points with seven minutes remaining. Fortunately for the Wolverines, a crucial three-pointer from Tre Donaldson provided breathing room, and Michigan maintained control despite a late surge from former Wolverine Frankie Collins. The victory, while not aesthetically pleasing, offered May's squad valuable lessons as they continue to forge their identity.
"It's part of the growing process for us," May noted, though his tone suggested that the 21 total turnovers – leading to 22 TCU points – would be addressed extensively in coming practices. For Michigan, a program historically challenged by ball security through multiple coaching regimes, Friday's win represented both progress and frustrating persistent concerns. As they move forward, the Wolverines' ability to balance their efficient shooting with more careful possession may determine their ceiling in May's inaugural campaign.
Related: Dusty May Shines in Michigan Basketball Debut, Lives Up to the Hype.
