2 Major Flaws Are Ruining Michigan’s Season
The Michigan Wolverines’ once-promising season is quickly unraveling—and at the worst possible time. After looking like a legitimate conference title contender and potential NCAA Tournament dark horse, Dusty May’s squad has collapsed down the stretch, losing three of their last five games—including Wednesday’s 71-65 home defeat to Maryland.
Michigan turned the ball over 16 times against the Terrapins, leading to 21 points off those miscues. The Wolverines also surrendered 11 offensive rebounds, which Maryland converted into 17 second-chance points. This disastrous combination has become Michigan’s signature in defeat, with nearly identical issues plaguing them in home losses to Michigan State and Illinois.
Across their three recent home defeats, Michigan has committed 42 turnovers while allowing 44 offensive rebounds to their opponents. That’s 86 extra possessions effectively handed to the opposition—all on their home court, where the Wolverines should have the advantage.
This unfortunate trend has sent Michigan plummeting in ESPN’s Power Rankings, dropping them from 13th to 23rd in the country. Their offensive efficiency during this five-game stretch ranks an abysmal 205th nationally, according to BartTorvik.com, with the Wolverines shooting just 24.3% from beyond the arc while turning the ball over on 20% of their possessions.
Michigan’s Big Ten title hopes have virtually disappeared. Their only remaining path to a shared regular-season championship would require Iowa to upset Michigan State on Thursday, followed by the Wolverines somehow defeating the Spartans in East Lansing on Sunday—a tall order given their current form.
While May has correctly highlighted Michigan’s offensive struggles, particularly their ice-cold shooting from three-point range, these simple and fundamental issues are what’s truly sinking the team. Boxing out, securing rebounds, and protecting the basketball—these basic basketball principles are where Michigan has repeatedly faltered.
The Wolverines have just one regular-season game remaining before tournament play begins. With a trip to East Lansing looming on Sunday, Michigan enters the rivalry match as underdogs.
No matter how talented a team might be offensively, lacking in these fundamental areas creates major vulnerabilities—especially in March, when every possession carries heightened importance. For Michigan, what began as occasional lapses has evolved into their defining weakness.
