UMass Lowell 42 Michigan 69 Game Recap

For one half the Michigan Wolverines looked anything but the 7th ranked team in the nation. Facing UMass Lowell in their first game as a Division 1 team, the Wolverines looked lethargic and unprepared to deal with a team that was in over their heads. Michigan's offense looked sluggish and couldn't hit shots while the team simply went through the motions. For the first 22 minutes of the game, the Wolverines made it look like Umass Lowell had a chance.

Then the switch happened. After falling behind 23-25, Michigan didn't look back and exploded offensively, recording 46 points in the second half. The Wolverines defense also shut down Umass-Lowell, holding them to two points throughout half of the second half. While Michigan played out of character and disinterested in the first half, they ended up pulling away for a 27 point victory.

The Wolverines were led by Caris LeVert and Glenn Robinson III, who combined for 32 of the Wolverines 69 points. Freshman guard Zak Irvin was the only other Wolverine that hit double figures, scoring 10 points. The battle between point guards Spike Albrecht and Derrick Walton Jr. didn't receive much clarity either, as Walton committed four of the teams nine turnovers. While he turned it over four times, Walton also picked up four assists compared to Albrecht's lone assist.

Michigan played their opener without star center Mitch McGary, who sat out due to a lingering back injury. It's still not certain when McGary will rejoin the team and that looks problematic if he cannot return soon. Michigan prevailed at the end of the day, but versus tougher competition the Wolverines would have been in serious trouble.

Michigan was looking to pick up where they left off but it looks like the team might struggle a bit more than expected without Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr., especially if McGary remains out of order.