If you had told Michigan fans at the start of the season that the Wolverines would be in second place in the expanded Big Ten conference with just one game to go — and a chance at a regular season title — there’s no doubt fans would have been thrilled. Instead, there’s plenty to be concerned about with the postseason around the corner.
Two weeks ago, No. 17 Michigan (22-8, 14-5 Big Ten) was riding high, avenging its worst loss of the season with a victory over then-No. 7 Purdue and beating Ohio State on the road. Now, the Wolverines have dropped three of their last five, more than doubling their conference losses. They are regressing in the areas that used to lead to their success and struggling to improve on what they know are their weaknesses.
Before Wednesday’s disappointing defeat at the hands of No. 13 Maryland — a game Michigan needed to win to control its destiny towards a Big Ten title — Michigan had only lost two games in a row once this season. The first was a two-point loss to Arkansas at Madison Square Garden on Dec 10, and the second was a one-point loss to then-No. 14 Oklahoma at the Jumpman Invitational.
Both games were on the road in unfamiliar, neutral environments and decided by a single possession in the final moments. Notably, the Wolverines used these as fuel, going on a six-game win streak heading into conference play.
Even after Michigan’s worst defeat of the season — a 91-64 trouncing by the Boilermakers — the Wolverines bounced back, winning six straight, including their rematch against Purdue. But since Michigan’s home loss to then-No. 14 Michigan State, the Wolverines haven’t played with the edge they once had.
On Sunday, Michigan lost by 20 to unranked Illinois. And on Wednesday, the Wolverines lost by six to the Terrapins.
“We were static,” Michigan coach Dusty May said postgame Wednesday. “We didn’t finish around the rim when we had opportunities. …When you’re not finishing, you’re turning it over and you’re not shooting well from three, you got to figure out other ways. Credit our guys, they fought like crazy and dug in and tried to win an ugly one, and we just came up short.”
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