Howard encouraged as U-M returns from break to face Central Florida
Following the cancellation of last week’s game versus Purdue Fort Wayne due to COVID-19 protocols within the Mastodons program, Michigan will emerge from a 12-day break to take on Central Florida on Thursday.
It will be U-M’s final non-conference game of the regular season. The Wolverines entered their COVID-induced break on a high note, handling outmatched Southern Utah on Dec. 18 with ease. Despite the win, U-M is experiencing an inconsistent and underwhelming season thus far.
“(UCF is) a really good offensive team, (and) disruptive defensively,” guard Eli Brooks said via teleconference on Wednesday. “There’s going to be a good challenge of taking care of the ball … it’s a good test leading up to Big Ten play.”
Here’s what to look for when the Wolverines (7-4) battle the Knights (8-2) in Orlando, Florida:
Dissolving the rust
Michigan has lacked rhythm all season, and a 12-day separation from games could slow the Wolverines’ road to midseason form. Coach Juwan Howard, however, insists that won’t be the case. U-M held a competitive intrasquad scrimmage in-lieu of the Purdue Fort Wayne game, and sought improvement in every facet in practices throughout the break.
“I like what I’ve seen thus far in practice, and we’re doing our best to navigate during these tough times,” Howard said. “... So no matter if it’s two days in between (or) two weeks in between, we’re always gearing up and excited to have an opportunity to play this competition.”
Part of the Wolverines’ plan to stay fresh and avoid travel disruptions was a relocation. They traveled to Orlando early Monday morning, making for quality bonding time off the court. On Tuesday night, the team watched in person as former Wolverine forward Franz Wagner scored a career-high 38 points at Amway Center.
Winning the Knight
The Knights are ranked No. 53 in the KenPom ratings and the American Athletic Conference squad has a legitimate shot at an NCAA tournament bid. They’ve scored more points per game (73.6) and have allowed fewer (63.6) than Michigan this season, and have played an average strength of schedule that includes a win over in-state rival Miami and a three-point loss to Oklahoma, ranked No. 35 in KenPom.
When asked what he’s looking for from his team to emerge victorious, Howard focused on energy.
“Just a hard-playing game for 40 minutes,” Howard said.
UCF, riding a four-game win streak, lost to the Wolverines, 80-58, last season at Crisler Center.
Containing guard Darin Green Jr. will be a key for the Wolverines. He leads the Knights with 14.8 points per game, good for eighth best in the AAC. Shooting 43.7% from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc, the 6-foot-4 junior is an efficient and constant threat.
“He’s been playing very well, shooting the ball extremely well from the outside (while) also being able to get downhill,” Howard said. “He’s playing with a big load of confidence and he’s been a challenge for every opponent they’ve faced, and I expect the same for us. We’re going to try to do everything we can to try to make his catches tough, trying to get a handball contest every time he shoots it, and live with the results.”
Hunter Dickinson and company should have a manageable defensive assignment in the post; 6-8 junior forward C.J. Walker, a transfer from Oregon, averages 9.6 points and a team-high 5.9 rebounds per game.