Michigan Basketball: 3 keys for the Wolverines against South Carolina

By Adam Childs | Dec 7, 2018

ANN ARBOR, MI - DECEMBER 1: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines shoots a three point shot during the second half of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Crisler Center on December 1, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Purdue 76-57. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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VILLANOVA, PA – NOVEMBER 14: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines calls a play in the second half against the Villanova Wildcats at Finneran Pavilion on November 14, 2018 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Michigan defeated Villanova 73-46. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

1. Avoid Northwestern hangover

Michigan had their first test on Tuesday night as the Wildcats had them down late in the second half. They had all the momentum as Michigan went about six minutes without scoring. If ever there was a game they were going to lose it was this one. Zavier Simpson was out of the game after missing three straight three-point attempts and the defense was slipping a little bit.

Instead, Eli Brooks stepped up and found Iggy Brazdeikis for an open three and then hit one himself to help Michigan stop the run and take back the lead. Then after Northwestern tied it again Jordan Poole drove the lane for a dunk in what would be the game-winning points.

After a tough game like that and a lesser opponent on the schedule, it is easy to come out flat and lifeless. Michigan has done a good job of being up for every game this year, but this could be a game where it changes. The Wolverines need to avoid the hangover after such an emotionally draining game. Michigan is better than South Carolina and if they play like they can they should come out with the win, but if they let the Northwestern game linger then the Gamecocks will be ready for the upset.

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