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The Iowa Hawkeyes traveled to Ann Arbor on Thursday night looking to end their 3 game losing streak. The Michigan Wolverines we're looking to defend their home court and climb their way back into the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa got out to an early lead and never let up. The Hawkeyes controlled the paint and took a 10 point lead into the half. Iowa continued to control the game and opened up the 2nd half with a 13-6 run. Michigan was never able to get anything going. Every time they appeared to be gaining momentum, Iowa took it away. Dominating defense closed the game out for the Hawkeyes. Iowa won by a final of 72-54.
What We Learned
Michigan's Offense Need To Figure Out The Zone
Iowa came out in a 2-3 zone and forced the Wolverines to beat them with their shooting, and they couldn't. Michigan was 7-24 from behind the arc. While that's not a bad percentage, you don't want to have a majority of your shots come from behind the 3 point line. Iowa's zone didn't let Michigan get to the basket, and after awhile, the Wolverines stopped trying to get there. The ball spent most of its time rotating around the perimeter, just like Iowa wanted it to. Michigan's offense is at its best when they are driving to the paint and creating shots off that, not when they're settling for contested 3's. Michigan will have to find a way to find some scoring in the 2-3 zone.
Iowa Owns the Paint
The Hawkeyes controlled the paint on both ends of the floor. Iowa's forwards Adam Woodbury, Jarrod Uthoff, and Aaron White combined for 40 points, most of which came in the paint. Michigan had no answer for their offense. Iowa's zone kept Michigan out of the paint and made them settle for jump shots. The Hawkeyes also owned the rebounding battle 33-16. You'll win a lot of games when they can control the paint like that on both ends of the floor.
Michigan Has Trouble Matching Up with Teams with Size like Iowa
Michigan has trouble running their 4 guard lineup against teams like Iowa. They needed to find a way to get out in transition with Iowa. The Wolverines were able to have some success against Wisconsin a couple weeks ago, but they were able to get inside against the Badgers. They were able to drive the paint and had success doing it. They didn't do that against Iowa. Iowa just had too much size and they used it to their advantage, which is what caused the lopsided score in this game.
You Can Get 2 Technical Fouls and Not Get Kicked Out
Iowa's Aaron White got 2 technical fouls nearly 2 minutes apart from each other, and didn't get kicked out! He was able to stay in the game because his 2nd was a "Class B" technical which happened during a dead ball situation.
Iowa Can Win on the Road
After losing their last 2 road games against Wisconsin and Purdue, Iowa got back to their winning ways on the road. The Hawkeyes have already beaten North Carolina, Ohio State, and Minnesota on the road. Iowa showed us that size always travels, jump shooting doesn't.
Overall
Michigan has battled injuries all year and it has caught up with them. This is just another game in what has been a disappointing year for the Maize and Blue. They're running out of time to turn it around and it is becoming an uphill battle to make the tournament now.
It has been an up and down season for Iowa, but they continue to show us they have the talent to win. Not many teams can compete with Iowa's bigs. They showed us that on Thursday night.