CBB: Simpson's triple double helps Michigan past Ohio State
1. Michigan is elite when they hit the three: The Wolverines don't live or die by the three like some other teams, but it is essential to them making another run in the month of March. In Michigan's three worst offensive performances, versus Holy Cross (56 points), Wisconsin (54), and Minnesota (59), they've combined to shoot 11/59 from three-point range. That's an abysmal 18.6 percent. Now it's not like the Wolverines were unconscious from deep against Ohio State, knocking down 37.0 percent, but it's clearly an improvement from the previously mentioned outings. In their top three wins (Villanova, North Carolina, and Purdue), Michigan shot a combined 29/65 from beyond the arc. John Beilein's team can win in different ways, but they're at their best when the three-ball is clicking consistently.
2. Ohio State's offense is non-existent without Wesson: Kaleb Wesson had seven of Ohio State's first 12 points and they had a six-point lead just over five minutes into the game before of his post presence and scoring ability. But he looked exhausted at the 13-minute mark and Chris Holtmann decided to take him out. From there on, the Buckeyes' offense was beyond stagnant. At most times, there are at least three players standing and watching while the other two run a simple high ball screen that obviously wasn't effective with Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske disrupting the flow. Ohio State refused to make any changes, though, and the same thing happened in the second half C.J. Jackson is really the only other player on this team who can get his own and that's not enough to defeat top tier opponents.
3. Jordan Poole and Zavier Simpson are the x-factors for Michigan: There was a play around the 11-minute mark in the first half where Ohio State was settling into their 2-3 zone and Jordan Poole shot three three-pointers on the same possession. You don't often see a player do that, but Poole shoots until he makes and his shot making ability usually coincides with Michigan's success. He doesn't always need to be the leading scorer or even score efficiently every game, but he has to be a constant threat. And for the first time in a couple weeks, he was again. Poole finished with 15 points. Zavier Simpson is also key. He runs the show and when he's on, Michigan is dominant. Simpson was more than on tonight, notching an impressive triple-double with 11 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, and zero (!) turnovers.
Photo Credit: 247 Sports.
