Turnovers key against MSU (w/video)

Michigan has been turning the ball over at an alarming rate in each of their Big Ten losses. With Michigan State headed to Crisler today (4 PM, CBS), that trend must change. **With Coach Beilein video**

Turnovers helped doom No. 4 Michigan Wednesday night in their surprising loss at Penn State. Revert back to the Wolverines’ nightmare loss to Michigan State on February 12th… a similar tale was told.

“The commonality among any of our really tough losses has been turnovers,” said coach John Beilein. “We must not give run out baskets. We did this last game and we did at Michigan State.

“They are the leader in the conference in steals and they’re turning people over at a good rate.”

Turning the ball over 16 times in East Lansing fed right into Michigan State’s game plan -- play defense well enough to turn it into easy buckets.

Oddly enough, despite the obvious differences in personnel and approach exhibited by both teams from a coaching standpoint, the Spartans and Wolverines aren’t all that different in finding the right formula to win games. At their peak, Michigan’s defense was as much responsible for their success as the offense, featuring several run out dunks, lay-ins, or transition three’s coming off a steal or long rebound.

Jordan Morgan’s slow return hasn’t helped matters for Michigan, but having the junior for more than nine minutes in round two will be an added boost.

“Hopefully it’ll make a difference,” said Beilein. “Jordan Morgan at 70 or 80 percent is still a good player but not like he was. The other night he was for much of that game, he did a really nice job.

“Defensively we all have to continue to work but hopefully we’ll be better. One thing he helps with -- he understands what’s happening and he can talk a little quicker and a little louder than the other guys who are still processing things quickly.”

To watch video of Beilein, press play below.