In our first real chance to learn about this Michigan basketball team against Marquette, the Wolverines showed up in a big way.
After wins against Howard and IUPUI, Michigan basketball went to New York City and Madison Square Garden to get its first real test of the season against Marquette.
If that’s indeed what it was—a real test—the Wolverines passed pretty easily.
The defense was active, the offense was efficient, and everyone who should have stepped up did step up in a 79-61 win. As an added bonus, Michigan got to use a loose rotation for most of the night, helping to keep legs fresh for Friday’s showdown with SMU in the championship game of the 2K Classic.
D.J. Wilson continues to be the story of the season for Michigan. He had another solid game against Marquette, getting a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. He also had two assists and two blocks.
Wilson’s defense also continued to garner attention, and it’s a very important aspect to his game because it allows John Beilein to run with a taller lineup with Mark Donnal in there at the same time. Wilson showed again that he’s got no problem guarding an array of players.
More from GBMWolverine
Zak Irvin led Michigan with 16 points (3 of 4 from behind the arc). Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mark Donnal each had 15 points, and Derrick Walton Jr. had four assists. Duncan Robinson was 3 of 4 from behind the arc and had 10 points. Moritz Wagner had nine points on 4 of 7 shooting.
Michigan’s youth was impressive against the Eagles. Specifically, freshmen Xavier Simpson and Ibi Watson saw some significant minutes on the court and looked in place. Simpson proved to be a reliable facilitator, and his defense is bullish.
Haanif Cheatham scored a Marquette bucket at the 13:19 mark of the first half to tie the score at 15 apiece. Then Michigan went on a tear for the rest of the half and outscored the Eagles 35-11, taking a 50-26 lead into the half.
Marquette worked to get the deficit down to 11 in the second half, but a quick sprint helped the Wolverines avoid collapse.
The highlight of the night was Wagner, who got the start against Marquette, throwing down a monster one-handed jam in the second half.
MOE WAGNER IS GOOD. pic.twitter.com/W44ug1ypvS
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) November 18, 2016
The combination of Wagner, Donnal and Wilson is looking like a promising one in this early season.
Perhaps the only negative to take away from this game for Michigan is that the Wolverines are clearly still learning how to play with a lead. Marquette got back into the game by getting easy baskets in the paint, and then the Wolverines’ offense went blank for a little bit.
Friday night’s game against SMU should offer up even more answers about what this Michigan team can become this season.
For now, though, it’s all positive.
This article originally appeared on 
