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Michigan Basketball: 2019 keys for Wolverines to beat Maryland at home

By Adam Childs

PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 05: Eugene Omoruyi #5 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights attempts a shot as Jon Teske #15 and Ignas Brazdeikis #13 of the Michigan Wolverines defend during the second half of a game at Rutgers Athletic Center on February 5, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan defeated Rutgers 77-65. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - FEBRUARY 05: Eugene Omoruyi #5 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights attempts a shot as Jon Teske #15 and Ignas Brazdeikis #13 of the Michigan Wolverines defend during the second half of a game at Rutgers Athletic Center on February 5, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan defeated Rutgers 77-65. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – DECEMBER 8: Michigan Wolverines Head Basketball Coach John Beilein shouts out instructions during the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Crisler Center on December 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated South Carolina State 89-78.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – DECEMBER 8: Michigan Wolverines Head Basketball Coach John Beilein shouts out instructions during the game against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Crisler Center on December 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated South Carolina State 89-78.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

1. Rebound the ball

Lately Michigan has been giving up a lot of offensive rebounds. On top of that, it seems like the ball has bounced around a lot and they have not won the 50/50 balls either. Everyone knows that both of those are an effort thing and the Wolverines have been lacking in that. They have been caught standing around too much and it has cost them. Against Penn State, they were out-rebounded by 10 and gave up 12 offensive rebounds. It is tough to win any game when you do that.

Fernando for Maryland is a very good rebounder as he averaging just under 11 per game. Smith is right behind him averaging just under seven per game. The Wolverines must keep them off the offensive glass as the Terrapins have not been the best shooting team at times this year and look to get second chance opportunities. Jon Teske and others will have to be good at blocking their guys out and being tough with the ball. If they allow Maryland to control the glass they will be in trouble.

Michigan’s defense has been good at forcing contested shots, which leads to a lot of misses. But lately those misses have been falling into the other team’s hands and they have extended possessions and got second-chance points. If Michigan can limit those they should be in good shape. It will tough to keep them off the boards, but Michigan will need to do it if they want to win.

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