Michigan 89, St. John's 73
After two promising buy games against lower level competition, Michigan Men's Basketball headed to Madison Square Garden to take on the St. John's Red Storm in the Gavitt Tipoff Games between the B1G and the Big East. The Red Storm, with new coach Rick Pitino, do not project to be an incredible team but as outlined in Jamie's preview, seemed to be a solid squad with a talented, transfer-laden roster. After a back-and-forth, high scoring first half led by Nimari Burnett's career day, Michigan began to pull away in the second half through better defense and continued brilliance from Dug McDaniel, blowing out St. John's on their home floor. For the third straight game, the walk-ons got to close it out and Michigan has moved to an impressive 3-0 (and into the KenPom top 25).
The first half was the Nimari Burnett Half, as Michigan's shooting guard, who was relatively quiet offensively in the first two games, erupted and carried the Wolverine offense. He knocked down the first shot of the game on the team's opening possession (a three) and would continue to make shots at an impressive clip throughout the half. St. John's responded to the first three with a 7-0 run of their own, bottling Dug McDaniel up in the paint and swatting his shots, but it was Burnett who steadied the ship. He executed a beautiful drive and score to make it 7-5 and then converted on another a couple possessions later to make it 8-7 Michigan. The early push by St. John's was held in check.
After that point, the first half was a back-and-forth affair. Nimari Burnett knocked down another three as the teams traded longballs to make it 11-10 and Olivier Nkamhoua's pretty pass set Burnett up for a dunk to tie it at 13. Michigan's defensive rotations were problematic in the early-going, giving up far too many open three-point attempts and the work on the defensive glass was poor too: St. John's rebounded 11 of their 22 misses in the first half, leading to 17 second-chance points, which was their big edge in the first half. By comparison, Michigan scored only four second-chance points. Chris Ledlum and Joel Soriano were problems for Michigan on the offensive glass and their dominance was the path to offensive success for a St. John's team that shot only 36% in the half.
[David Wilcomes]
While Michigan worked on tightening up their defense and rebounding, the offense continued to click because of Burnett. He made another three to make it 18-16 and then a pair of buckets that involved Tarris Reed Jr. (the latter a pass to Terrance Williams II for a fast break dunk) gave Michigan a 20-18 edge. St. John's wasn't going away and through 13.5 minutes of basketball, the Red Storm had 10 offensive rebounds. Burnett canned a stepback 3 to make it 32-31 Michigan and that began their late half surge.
After St. John's led 31-29, Michigan closed the half on a 19-7 run. Burnett continued to be excellent, but Nkamhoua started to chip in, adding a couple three pointers, while McDaniel started to find his game as well. The ensemble effort continued as Will Tschetter's drive and runner went down to make it 46-38 before Williams finished a layup to push the lead to ten. Strong defense from Tschetter forced a miss at the horn and the Wolverines went into the locker room up 10. The first half was firmly Burnett's, scoring 21 points (already a career high!), 8/8 from the floor and 4/4 from three, his only miss being at the charity stripe.
Michigan was the better team in the first half and you got the sense that if they tightened up the defense and defensive glass, they could pull away. That's exactly what happened. St. John's was held to just five points in the first six minutes of the second half, Michigan's defense looking sharper and on offense, McDaniel started to heat up. His underhanded scoop off the glass was either team's first score of the second half and his coast-to-coast speed was the lightning bolt Michigan needed to break the patented Pitino press that St. John's employed. The defensive intensity and its effect on the offense was highlighted by a possession in which Tarris Reed Jr. blocked two shots on the same possession, leading to a Dug McDaniel pass to Tray Jackson for a jam. That put Michigan ahead 58-43. On the very next possession, Williams swiped the ball from Simeon Wilcher and scored it himself off the fast-break. Michigan was ahead by 17 and Pitino called timeout.
[David Wilcomes]
Whatever Pitino instructed his players to do in that timeout was not enough. St. John's got a quick and-one from Soriano to cut the lead to 14 but Michigan went right back at it, Williams snagging an OREB that eventually led to his own three from the corner to restore the 17 point edge. A couple minutes later, the lead was 20 as Will Tschetter put his offensive mark on the second half with a dunk. Tschetter's improved utility this season was crucial for Michigan in this game, as Nkamhoua picked up his third foul early (on an over-the-back in the offensive half of the court) and would do so again for his fourth foul later. Tray Jackson also battled foul trouble, so Tschetter was given responsibility and he handled it well.
Michigan wasn't satisfied with a 20 point lead, continuing to rip apart the Red Storm defense. McDaniel drove and was intentionally fouled, Soriano grabbing him with two arms from behind, which gave Michigan two shots and the ball (McDaniel made both free throws). With the ball on the ensuing possession, Williams knocked down another three, making it a five point trip down the floor. Michigan now led 74-48 with under 10 minutes to play.
The game was more or less out of reach by this point but Michigan didn't let their guard down. The lead sat at right about 20 for the next six or so minutes until true garbage time arrived. McDaniel continued to carry play, swishing a stepback three to make it 81-57, accentuating the brilliance of his evening and he made another three not long after. On the very next trip down the floor for St. John's, Dug swiped the ball from Sadiku Ibine Ayo. With under two minutes to go, the reserves checked into the game, which included Youssef Khayat as well as walk-ons Harrison Hochberg and Cooper Smith. KenPom Time didn't dwindle the lead too much, even though Pitino continued to press even with Michigan's walk-ons in and the game out of reach. The Red Storm got it down to 16, but that was the best they could do and it was the final margin, 89-73 Wolverines.
[David Wilcomes]
The final box score reflects a total blowout for Michigan, which it was. They shot 52% from the field and 11/26 (42%) from three. Free throws were a bit of an issue, especially for Tarris Reed Jr. and Olivier Nkamhoua, but at the end of the day, it didn't matter too much. On the flip side, St. John's shot just 36% from the floor and 33% three, continuing to feast from the offensive rebounds (though the final numbers were spiked by 6 in the final two minutes(!!) against mostly walk-ons) but with little else in the way of productive offense.
McDaniel was the ultimate MVP for Michigan, the most consistent player across both halves. He scored 26 points on 8/16 shooting, 2/6 from three, and 8/8 from the line + 6 boards and 7 assists, 2 steals against just 2 turnovers. Dug played 38 minutes and put together a performance that feels just about optimal for Michigan's PG spot. Burnett predictably cooled off in the second half but still finished with 21. Williams chipped in 12, Nkamhoua 9, and Reed 5, though Tarris added 11 boards and 3 blocks in just 25 minutes. Tschetter added 10 points off the bench but cooled off a bit from three (1/3 on the night) and Michigan didn't add much in the way of bench scoring beyond him. Soriano scored 15 for St. John's, followed by Daniss Jenkins and Jordan Dingle, who were the only two other players to score in double figures.
Michigan is now 3-0 on the season. They started 3-0 last year, but one of those was a near-loss to an EMU squad that would finish the year 8-23(!). This year's team has won three blowouts, all of them against teams that shouldn't be anywhere close to as bad as that EMU squad was. The vibes feel totally different and the three dominant outings have vaulted Michigan up the KenPom rankings. As of this writing, the Wolverines are 23rd in that metric and the 2nd-ranked B1G squad (behind just Purdue). Michigan will play one more game in continental North America before heading to their Thanksgiving tournament in the Bahamas, the Battle 4 Atlantis. That game is on Friday night at Crisler Center, a home meeting with Long Beach State. That game is scheduled for 7 pm EST and will be broadcast on BTN+.
[Click the JUMP for the box score]
November 13th, 2023 at 10:02 PM ^
really, really like this team.
and blowing out another pitino team is nice, too.
November 14th, 2023 at 7:45 AM ^
I loved seeing the old signs of Petino ranting along the boundary. He has aged, yet he doesn't look any different to me (who has also aged). I loved even more beating him, yet again (block was clean, asshats).
November 13th, 2023 at 10:04 PM ^
Another great team win! I know we'll face some harder teams down the road, and the guard depth may trip us up, but right now my only complaint about the men's basketball team is Will Tschetter's shorts.
November 14th, 2023 at 12:23 PM ^
Actually was coming on here to build up Will Tschetter. The guys on the preseason podcast in particularly were semi hard on this guy and basically writing him off, but from what I've seen this season he is growing into what we hoped he could be, which is a gritty team guy who can hustle, bang, play some defense, and hit an open three. And we knew even that was going to take some time, but here he is with two (?) more years after this to be a veteran glue guy as the one and dones come and go. You need a few program guys like him and T. Will.
November 13th, 2023 at 10:05 PM ^
This Michigan men’s basketball team is apparently real and spectacular!
November 13th, 2023 at 10:09 PM ^
Dug is a baller. I be like dang.
November 13th, 2023 at 10:10 PM ^
Michigan now led 74-68 with under 10 minutes to play.
The game was more or less out of reach by this point but Michigan didn't let their guard down.
This looks like a typo
Edit: It was and is now fixed. 74-48
November 13th, 2023 at 10:14 PM ^
i have recently been publishing and then quickly proofreading so i have something up on a decently timely basis but it leads to a few typos if you read it within minutes of its publishing lol
November 13th, 2023 at 10:17 PM ^
No worries. I thought I’d point it out to help but you caught it right away.
Great write up btw!
November 13th, 2023 at 10:15 PM ^
Pitino got docked 20 points for violations mid-game. NCAA called it even on the whole 2013 Championship season in exchange, so they could quickly put the entire office back on Harbaugh-detail.
November 13th, 2023 at 10:10 PM ^
I know we’re only three games in but these guys have been incredibly fun to watch so far. Me like.
November 14th, 2023 at 8:18 AM ^
They’re playing so much more cohesive than the team last year. They don’t have the top end talent the 2022 squad had, but this team seems much more complete. The offseason improvements Twill and Tscetter have made are obvious too.
November 13th, 2023 at 10:14 PM ^
Dug's handles are remarkable. I don't even know who to compare him to. The speed and change of direction is elite as well. He's a lot of fun to watch.
November 13th, 2023 at 10:31 PM ^
Trey Burke but fast! (Don’t take my word for it, check the Mgoblog twitter account)!
November 13th, 2023 at 10:33 PM ^
Honesty I don’t think Cassius Winston is a bad comp
November 13th, 2023 at 11:55 PM ^
Winston is a below average athlete with great passing/vision and elite shooting. Dug is a completely different kind of player. He's a blur with improving shooting and finishing inside. Tyrese Maxey would be a good comp for Dug.
November 14th, 2023 at 12:04 AM ^
Ooooo I like that though I think Dug is a much better passer (and on the other side Tyrese is much bigger and subsequently a much better finisher).
but yeah I see it. The quickness, body control, and strength are definitely reminiscent of Maxey. Going to that same Kentucky team (I’m a Knicks fan so I watch this guy a lot lol) there are also some similarities to Immanuel Quickley with the pull-up ability, intelligence (on and off ball), and defense.
November 14th, 2023 at 3:35 AM ^
Maybe the right comparison is Rickey Green.
November 14th, 2023 at 8:46 AM ^
Dug looks fabulous, but Rickey Green was sui generis.
now get off my lawn
November 14th, 2023 at 12:11 AM ^
I can’t help but remember that Maxey’s big coming out also came at MSG against a certain younger sibling of ours…he hit a step back to seal the game not too different from the one Dug had in the second half tonight…you might be onto something
November 14th, 2023 at 12:24 AM ^
The younger Isaiah Thomas?
November 14th, 2023 at 7:56 PM ^
I'm thinking A.I....
November 16th, 2023 at 10:56 AM ^
Agreed. I've been thinking AI for a while now.
November 18th, 2023 at 12:54 AM ^
AI would never have lost to fucking long beach state what an embarrassment
November 14th, 2023 at 2:12 PM ^
He reminds me of Tyus Edney.
November 13th, 2023 at 10:15 PM ^
The offense seems lethal and the defense much more than adequate. Looking forward to see them in a boa constrictor game when the O is off. Then we’ll know this team can win multiple ways.
November 13th, 2023 at 10:21 PM ^
My friends, and posters here, all noting the same things: This team is playing with much more energy than last year, and is so much fun to watch!
It's like night and day from last year, not (yet) in results, but definitely in style of play. Gotta love it.
Go Blue!
November 13th, 2023 at 10:23 PM ^
We need to keep Dug in a bulletproof bubble.
November 14th, 2023 at 8:15 AM ^
Yes. Love his swashbuckling style and total energy, but I worry about injuries and fatigue.
Otherwise, nothing better than boat-racing Rick Pitino in MSG. Go Blue!
November 13th, 2023 at 10:29 PM ^
Dug has made a huge jump.
when does Jalen get back? Dug is ballin but he is logging a lot of minutes
November 14th, 2023 at 12:20 AM ^
Watching him reminds me so much of Allen Iverson (not AS good, of course).
But I started calling him, "The Response."
November 14th, 2023 at 12:32 AM ^
His handles have an Iverson feel….
November 14th, 2023 at 5:13 AM ^
It's been almost a year and Jaelin is working on drills and practicing, but they have reportedly been taking it slowly. Jaelin should be the prefect answer as Dug's backup with his loads of experience and now a year to really gel with the other players. Hopefully, he's back for the start of the Big Ten season at the beginning of December which he missed completely last year.
This team is starting to look very exciting. Next week should be fun to watch the Battle 4 Atlantis over Thanksgiving.
November 13th, 2023 at 10:42 PM ^
Not that it matters this early, but Michigan has to be ranked in the top 25 now right?
November 13th, 2023 at 11:06 PM ^
I'm calling it right now: Elite Eight or bust. This team is ridiculously good, and they are only going to get better. That is a decent St. John's squad who didn't get to play Pitino ball because we wouldn't let them. Honestly, this game was just like the other two we played: We dictated and played our game and the Red Storm kept getting further and further behind.
November 13th, 2023 at 11:49 PM ^
If Burnett can consistently be 80% of what he was tonight, this team can go far. He has the ability to dominate at both ends.
Almost everyone is contributing at a high level already. Fun team.
November 14th, 2023 at 12:07 AM ^
The shot isn’t exactly picturesque but it’s very effective. He has great balance and touch. That step back off the DHO was an eye opener (beyond the fact it went in, the confidence he has to take that early in shot clock means he can make it consistently).
Can he be a bigger, more athletic Eli Brooks for this team? That would be huge. Loved what I saw from this team. Juices the team on both ends without needing the ball in his hands (but can do some things with the ball in his hands too!)
November 14th, 2023 at 7:15 AM ^
Yeah, he was a rotation player on one of the better teams in the country before he got hurt. He can't be your lead dog offensively because his handle isn't great and he's not a shot creator but he's really impressed me with his defense and shooting when set. I have noticed he doesn't have a great finish at the hoop; it may just been when I watch him closely but he misses layups more than I'd like especially in traffic. But that's a minor concern
November 14th, 2023 at 12:18 AM ^
This team might not be as good as last year's (though I think they are), but they're definitely more fun to watch.
November 14th, 2023 at 12:26 AM ^
Last years team wouldve got blown out by these guys. Can you imagine Jace guarding anyone of our starters?
November 14th, 2023 at 7:13 AM ^
You mean Jett?
November 14th, 2023 at 3:41 AM ^
Excising the malignant tumor on the team has made all the difference. You know who I mean.
November 14th, 2023 at 7:21 AM ^
Yes...speaking of no defense.
Quickness is such an underrated talent.
November 14th, 2023 at 12:36 AM ^
Scary moment for Dug in the lead picture as a vampire was creeping up on him from behind. Glad he’s ok!
November 14th, 2023 at 12:40 AM ^
The whole team is playing aggressive and assertive offense, while running great half court sets. They pushed the ball on the break after rebounds and consistently scored...on a Rick Pitino team. Defenders were switching effectively on ball screens, except for some miscommunication in the first 10 mins. We've now seen 4 of the starting 5 get the hot hand. Just waiting on Tray Jackson & Tarris to get their games going.
Only negative I saw was out of their control, Jeff Anderson (high stepper) ref was letting Dug just get absolutely crushed by the Johnnie bigs coming over in help defense. 2 serious collisions, 1 in each half, had Dug crumpled up on the ground. We can't afford to let Dug take those hard hits, my main worry moving forward. Hopefully I'm just concern trolling, take a hike BPONE!
November 14th, 2023 at 1:15 AM ^
The fact that Nkamhoua didn't have a big game on offense and M won easily was encouraging. Watching the pregame on FS1 made it clear that nobody had watched a Michigan game yet. This season has already been more enjoyable than all of last season. Go Blue!!!
November 14th, 2023 at 7:06 AM ^
I’m local so went to the game - first time I’ve seen M play at msg without a ‘home field’ crowd advantage. Good representation but I’d say 85 pct in red - which i suppose is expected for a nyc based team.
Takeaways -
nimari when aggressive going to hole is v effective, he is strong and goes hard to the hoop, hope he keeps that mindset
st j had no one who could stay within 2 steps of dug off the dribble drive - though as others mentioned the refs let st j hammer him repeatedly in the lane…another iversoneaqe similarity
soriano is a load . When reed was out we really had no one able to push him off block, though tschetter tried his best . Is lack of size at 5 beyond reed a concern ?
All 5 moved their feet and switched really well innhalf court defense
November 14th, 2023 at 9:37 AM ^
Good representation but I’d say 85 pct in red - which i suppose is expected for a nyc based team.
The first half was pretty raucous with the home crowd really into it. The second half was much much quieter (at least on TV) with a lot of empty seats by midway through the half.
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