Michigan basketball dominates UNC Asheville in season opener

ANN ARBOR, MI – On a brisk November evening, the Wolverines kicked off their 23-24 season with a bang. Michigan basketball faced off against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs and won in dominant fashion 99-74. 

On a night where sophomore forward Tarris Reed Jr. and Seton Hall transfer Tray Jackson combined for 12 points, a 25-point victory would seem unthinkable. Well, think about it harder, because it happened.

Hot beginning for starters

The Wolverines started off hot, knocking down three of their first five threes attempted heading into the first media timeout. This included a deep straightaway three from guard Dug McDaniel.

Containing star big Drew Pember

A big question coming into this game was if Michigan could contain UNC Asheville star big man Drew Pember. The answer to that one came early as Pember had to check out of the game after 10 minutes with three fouls and only four points. Pember would finish the game with 19 points but was only able to make an impact for 21 minutes.

Michigan basketball dominance

Michigan rode this absence to a 10-0 run, extending its lead to 31-16. This was capped off by Terrance Williams II’s second three-pointer. Williams II had changed his shot this summer and put it on full display tonight, finishing with three three-pointers.

The domination continued throughout the entire first half. Three different Wolverines eclipsed double digits, including 12 points from both Dug McDaniel and highly sought-after Tennessee transfer Olivier Nkamhoua.

Michigan finished the first half with a strong 48-32 lead against the Bulldogs. Not enough good can be said about McDaniel’s performance throughout the half. He finished the half with 12 points (5-7, 2-4 from three) and six assists. 

Dug McDaniel would eventually finish the game with 22 points (9-15, 4-9 from three) and eight assists. There were rumblings that he’d be a candidate to break out this season. Tonight’s game turned those rumblings into bellows.

After the game, Dug connected his great play to that feeling that “there’s more freedom, knowing [he’s] the lead guard.”

McDaniel also added that the two captains (Jace Howard and Olivier Nkamhoua) told him “you’re the head of the snake, we go as far as you go.”

The success somehow accelerated in the second half. The Wolverines never let off the gas and ended with a strong 25-point lead.

Turnover battles

After struggling to force opponents to cough the ball up at a very low rate of 14.4 percent (351st in opponent turnover percentage), Michigan basketball’s defense had their way. The Wolverines forced 13 turnovers (19.4 percent opponent turnover rate). In turn, this elevated the offense to another level, scoring 18 points off of the UNC Asheville turnovers.

Martelli noted that “[the team’s] strength is balance.” The reversal of the turnover ratio would definitely support that claim.

Less cautious optimism for Michigan basketball

This Michigan basketball team has suggested that fans’ cautious optimism about the team can be less cautious. Moreover, the Wolverines handily took care of business against a mid-major conference preseason frontrunner. Some other Michiganders could only hope that was the case for them.

Catch Michigan basketball back in action on Friday at 6:30 pm EST when the (0-1) Youngstown State Penguins come to town.

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