The Michigan Wolverines opened up their 2011-12 basketball season with a solid, 59-33 win over the Ferris State Bulldogs.
The visitors from Grand Rapids, gave Michigan all it could handle as both teams struggled at the offensive end of the floor. The Wolverines appeared to assert themselves early in the first half, using an 11-0 run to jump out to a 17-6 lead midway through the first half.
But the Bulldogs hung in there and held Michigan to just five points the remainder of the half, climbing back within six points at the half, 22-16 and nearly completed the comeback just after the half, drawing within a point of Michigan before the Wolverines turned it on again and seized control of the game.
Tim Hardaway, Jr. sparked the 8-0 burst that sent Michigan on its way to a 1-0 record to start the season. Hardaway woke up his team with a three-pointer, then found Evan Smotrycz for another three before finishing the run with a layup.
Hardaway had a touch shooting night making just 2 of 7 three-pointers but finished with 12 points and three assists. Stu Douglass and Evan Smotrycz combined to knock down 6 of 11 three-pointer, both finishing with 14 points. Daniel Sutherlin led the way for Ferris State with 11 points.
For more coverage on Michigan, check out SB Nation's Maize n Brew.