Michigan: bigger and better than Jacksonville. [James Coller]
Michigan tested John Beilein's patience, coughing up ten first-half turnovers. Jacksonville tested the structural integrity of the Crisler Center baskets, when they hit them at all. The Wolverines, led by standout performances from Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (20 points) and Charles Matthews (18 points, 7 rebounds), eventually cruised to an easy victory.
Notes:
- Moe Wagner, who started in his first appearance since rolling his ankle against Texas, took even longer to shake off the rust than the rest of his teammates. He moved well, however, and got into the rhythm of the game in the second half, when he scored all seven of his points.
- Abdur-Rahkman proved unstoppable, making all eight shots from the field on his way to a team-high 20 points. He could score at the rim whenever he wanted.
- Rotation watch: Ibi Watson played only four minutes before getting pulled following an ugly step-in two that drew Beilein's ire. Eli Brooks remained the starter with Zavier Simpson getting nearly equal time; Jaaron Simmons didn't enter until the final minutes. Jordan Poole and Isaiah Livers each played 12 minutes.
- Poole went on a personal 8-2 run late with a couple threes and a slick layup in traffic.
- Jacksonville had, by my count, four first-half airballs.
- Penn State held on to beat Washington in the Fiesta Bowl, keeping the Big Ten perfect in bowl games. You probably know this because that's what you were watching.
- The Wisconsin-Miami game is on ESPN right now. You're probably already watching it.
- Michigan gets a very quick turnaround, heading to Iowa (9-6, 0-2 Big Ten) to resume conference play on Tuesday evening (7 pm, ESPN2).
[Hit THE JUMP for the box score.]
jumpman [Coller]
