Author: Mikayla Asher

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Will Howard’s Team-Building Tactics Win Tonight’s Game?

Sunday’s win marked the 105th win of Teske’s and Simpson’s career, making them the winningest Michigan men’s basketball players in the program’s history. Juwan Howard commented on the performance of the duo during the game, saying that Simpson “made some great decisions with the basketball; he did a really good job of controlling the temp of the game . . .  it was a very solid game for him.” 

Howard also spoke at length about how disciplined and how mature this team is. His players are also mirroring that mantra, with Franz Wagner and Brandon Johns Jr. speaking at length about the determination and dedication the team has found approaching tournament season, with Johns Jr. commenting on the outlook of the team, “I feel like we’re back in the beginning of the year a little bit; we’re all just so connected, trusting each other, knocking down shots, trusting in our game; it just feels great.” 

Howard’s ability to bring the team together has clearly been a top priority and based on the looks of the team at this point in the season, it has paid off. Johns Jr. gives credit for the team’s success to the team bonding that Howard has organized, “We’re having more team-bonding sessions, just really getting to know each other more, understanding each other, as well as working out together.” And the bonding has clearly helped, with both Brookes and Johns Jr. commenting that they are back to being the same team as they were earlier this season when they were 7-0.

With the team finding its rhythm and Livers on the road to recovery, the Wolverines appear mentally and physically ready to face Rutgers on their home court, and hopefully end the Scarlet Knight’s undefeated home record tonight. 

Brandon Johns Jr. and Eli Brooks at the post-game press conference following the win against Indiana.
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Stripe Out Game vs. OSU

Stripe Out Game

Prior to Tuesday’s ‘stripe out’ themed game, maize and blue shirts were placed on the back of every seat in the stadium, alternating sections to create a stadium-wide stripe effect. The concept was generally a success, as most fans wore the free shirt over the outfit they arrived in, and honestly, who doesn’t love a free shirt. However, the 5 students in the front row of the maize rage decided that instead of a stripe out, they were going to wear spots. Cow spots to be exact, with matching cow onesies.

This was my first game sitting in the press box, and honestly the noise level of the crowd was shocking. Last year, I spent every game in the middle of the Maize Rage, screaming along with everyone, completely oblivious to the sheer volume that that can ring inside Crisler for a close game. Sitting above the court, being able to see everything without cheering along was super difficult, and I would constantly find myself holding back from yelling or clapping during certain moments. 

And after Tuesday’s game, I can definitively say that the best part about being a Michigan fan is the energy that everyone has. On a Tuesday night, in the middle of midterms for most students, everyone was on their feet cheering and screaming for the Wolverines up until the very end. With four minutes left in the game, and during a full media timeout, everyone remained standing.

Unfortunately, the Wolverines didn’t cinch the win against Ohio State. It was a close game up until the very end, and it came down to the last play of the game. However, at the press conference, Coach Howard, Wagner, and Davis all seemed to be ready to move past this loss and get ready for Michigan State on Saturday. At several points during the game, and on social media afterwards, videos played on the jumbotron getting fans hyped up for the big game Saturday, with a huge emphasis on the ‘maize out’ aspect. And if the response to the stripe out game was any indication, Saturday’s color theme should be a success.

Go Blue!