Michigan poses with 2K Classic championship trophy. (Photo by Jason Schott/Daly Dose Of Hoops)
NEW YORK - In the final of the 2K Classic at Madison Square Garden, it was all Michigan, but it was anything but boring of one enjoys an offensive show.
Passing, cutting, good ball movement and some proficient shooting are all part of the Michigan offensive system, one SMU could not find an answer for on this night. Michigan rolled to the championship with a convincing 76-54 victory. The Wolverines are now 4-0, while SMU dropped to 3-1.
The first four minutes saw Michigan get out to a 13-4 lead. The SMU defense had its hands full. Michigan scored on five of seven possessions, with Derrick Walton burying three treys. The efficiency in that span? An astounding 186.
Michigan led 44-25 at the half. The first four minutes saw the Big Ten representatives score on only two of six possessions. The other four wound up in misfired attempts rebounded by the Mustangs. That was an efficiency of 67, a little down to earth but arguably the only dry spell for John Beilein’s group the entire night. And despite SMU opening the second half with a few threes, there was no need for Michigan to panic.
Possessions: Michigan 58, SMU 58
Offensive efficiency: Michigan 131, SMU 93
Four Factors:
eFG%: Michigan 66, SMU 42
Free Throw Rate: Michigan 22, SMU 17
Offensive Rebound%: Michigan 8, SMU 45
Turnover Rate: Michigan 7, SMU 21
Leading scorers and EF:
Michigan - Derrick Walton Jr. 23 points, EF 33
SMU - Semi Ojeleye 13 points, EF 22
MVP Zak Irvin of Michigan had a complete game with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and an EF of 27, with just one turnover.
All-Tournament Team:
Michael Young, Pitt
Semi Ojeleye. SMU
Derrick Walton Jr., Michigan
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Michigan
What Michigan did well: Run an offense resembling a well-oiled efficient machine, high on shooting percentage and very low on turnovers, two for the entire game.
What SMU did well: Rebound on the offensive end. The shooting in the primary sets was not great. Mustangs compensated with an offensive rebound percentage highlighted by 18 offensive boards.
Two offensive boards for Michigan explains the 8 percent offensive rebound percentage, but really, it’s simple. If you are making a good deal of shots, as they did, there are few chances for rebounds on the offensive end. Case closed.
“We have so many weapons in our system, it is hard to take away everything. Tonight was a great example of that.” - Michigan’s Derrick Walton Jr.
“Our seniors have done a great job providing leadership for the young guys. Great to see them get the recognition. You can’t lose the ones you shouldn’t lose. We have four wins with a number of challenges (before conference play). They have a lot of athleticism. We held them to two offensive rebounds the first half. I don’t want to look at the second (half). They have a lot of 6-6s and are a tough team. We did not change much. You can’t on one day of prep. You get the kids up at ten after playing a game the night before and start going over things. You can’t make major changes on one day to get ready. Last time we won in Madison Square Garden, we started out 18-0 and lost to an 0-13 team. You cannot obsess over that. We will practice tomorrow and then watch Michigan (football) beat the hell out of Indiana.” - Michigan coach John Beilein
“College basketball can be very cruel. What you say after a loss can be difficult. You have to see it how it is. Michigan played as good a game as anyone has the last four years. They are going to have one heckuva year. Our guys end up with 18 rebounds, but I see a team that fights. We can be an outstanding team. Score doesn’t matter. This is a loss. I take my hat off to Michigan. I thought Michigan just did a great job taking us out of our rhythm. A lot of things went wrong for us. At the same time, they made some amazing shots. They have a well thought out offense and they are a team you do not want to play on no days of preparation.” - SMU coach Tim Jankovich
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