When it comes to close games this season, No. 15 Michigan (22-6, 14-3 Big Ten) has become an expert; each of the Wolverines’ last nine wins have been determined by four points or less. Thursday’s game against Rutgers (14-15, 7-11) was no exception, with Michigan coming from behind and stealing the game with a buzzer-beater 3-pointer from graduate guard Nimari Burnett.
Despite getting outplayed by the Scarlet Knights in the first half and needing a last-second shot to secure a win, the Wolverines aren’t going to rain on the parade of their victory. Here are five takeaways from the matchup:
Vlad Goldin ‘impacts every single possession’ in second half
Senior forward Vlad Goldin notched his fourth double-double of the season with a team-high 22 points and tied his season-high of 11 rebounds. Scoring 17 of his points in the first half, Goldin’s offensive production in the paint was key in keeping Michigan afloat amid the Scarlet Knights’ rain of 3-pointers.
Goldin’s greatest impact was on the defensive end, though. He hauled down a season-high ten defensive rebounds and his two blocks late in the second half were critical in stalling Rutgers from gaining any momentum. Goldin’s ability to guard ball screens and be a mobile defender in and out of the paint is atypical of a 7-foot-1, 250-pound player.
“I looked at the stat line and couldn’t believe how effective he was, as far as a statistical standpoint, and I didn’t think he impacted the game in the first half that much.” Michigan coach Dusty May said. “In the second half, especially the last 15 minutes, I thought he impacted every single possession. I thought his ball screen coverage was excellent. … I thought his activity around the rim — his 50-50 rebounds — I thought he got almost all of them. … He played with no agenda other than to find a way to win this game. And I thought he was dominant in the paint from a defensive standpoint.”
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