Michigan Basketball: 3 questions facing the Wolverines in the Big Dance
By Bryan Mauro
Can Michigan make free throws?
If you had to pick a weakness with the Wolverines, it would be that, at times, they have been dreadful at the free throw line. Michigan’s starters outside Abdur-Rahkman do not make better than 70% of their free throws and some of them don’t make better than 60%. If the Wolverines want to make a deep tournament run, they need to make free throws.
Michigan will need to fix its free-throw woes fast. They showed improvement at the line in recent games but this lay-off may effect their foul shooting.
One thing Michigan needs to avoid is missing its free throws early. Usually, missing shots and free throws are contagious. Even if the best shooters miss one or two early ones, it could drastically affect how they play the rest of the game. If Michigan gets to the line, they better make their free throws or they are going to have an early exit from the tournament.
Anytime you give a team extra chances either by missing free throws or turning the ball over, the consequences can be deadly. Championship teams are able to clean that up and win. This single factor can separate the good teams from the championship teams.