After Friday's big win over Utah, a letdown for the Michigan basketball team against North Carolina Central may have been inevitable.
In the first half, it looked as if that's exactly what the Wolverines were experiencing. Much as they did against Concordia, Michigan played down to its competition and struggled to hit open shots. John Beilein's team shot only 28 percent (8-for-28) from the field, including 2-for-8 from three-point range, and escaped to the locker room with a 23-19 halftime lead.
The Eagles initially hung tough in the second half, getting back to within four points. But Michigan began to find its shooting touch, demonstrated by key three-pointers from Evan Smotrycz and Zack Novak. Eventually, the Wolverines went on a late 10-0 run to build a 59-34 lead and cruise to a comfortable win.
Darius Morris led Michigan with 12 points, while Tim Hardaway, Jr. scored 11. Jon Horford was the team's leading rebounder for the night with nine rebounds.
Michigan's 8-2 start is the team's best under Beilein. The Wolverines next host Oakland University at Crisler Arena on Saturday. After the Golden Grizzlies' upset win at Tennessee Tuesday night (which followed a one-point loss to Michigan State), the game figures to be a good test. Tip-off is at 12 noon.