The Pats were in the championship game in their league last year and it was thought
that a team with the type experience they have would give Wolverines a stiff test.
That certainly was the case early in the game as Fayetteville went up 15-13 with
15 minutes left in the first half. That, however, would be the Patriots’
last lead of the night. The Wolverines went on a 25-3 run to blow the doors off.
The run was in danger of being thwarted midway through because of a big 3-pointer
by the Pats after the 
Wolverines
reeled off 14 straight points. But high-flying newcomer, Brent Petway, took the
wind out of the opposition’s sails when he caught an alley-oop pass from
Robinson for one of his 5 dunks on the evening! Michigan went into the half with
a 48-29 lead and expanded it to nearly 40 toward the end of the game.
Michigan’s effort was led by a superior all around game from senior Bernard Robinson Jr. He finished the evening with 18 points, 5 assists, 5 steals, and
5 rebounds. Coach Tommy Amaker was pleased with the performance of his most
experienced player. “I thought Bernard played a phenomenal all-around
game, “ Amaker said. “He's our best athlete and is our most complete
player. We expect that all-around total game from him. And we love that he is
able to make plays for us on both ends of the floor. His defensive effort was
outstanding, and we need that kind of effort from him throughout this year”
Lester Abram was the team’s second leading scorer and helped steady his team
with his normal workman like effort. However, it was the 13 points turned in
by freshman Brent Petway that had everyone talking. Aside from the alley-oop
play mentioned earlier, he also turned in another outstanding crowd pleaser
when he stole a pass early in the first half and delivered an electrifying windmill
slam! Amaker commented after the game on what this youngster will bring to his
team this year. “I love his energy; he's always played that way for us.”
Amaker said. “We weren't able to see that in the previous exhibition game
because of his injury. He is an exciting kid and he loves to play. He brings
so much to the floor in addition to his incredible athleticism. Our players
get excited and energized when he does something like [his dunks]. You can see
why we're looking forward to this kid's career.”
Other top offensive performers for the game were Courtney Sims (10 points)
and Daniel Horton (9 points) and Chris Hunter (9 points). Hunter also led the
Wolverines with 9 rebounds. Jason Collier (formerly Georgia Tech and the Minnesota
Timberwolves) and Omar Cook (formerly of St. Johns) led Fayetteville with 11
and 10 points respectively. For a full box score, click here.
Other Notables:
- Dion Harris spent much of his 19 minutes of playing time at point guard
and played the position flawlessly. He finished with 4 assists and 0 turnovers.
- Graham Brown did not play in his second straight game because of injury.
- Michigan finished with only 9 turnovers for the game.
- -Michigan out-rebounded it’s opponent for the second straight game.
(40-34)
- Jerret Smith and Ronald Coleman were both in attendance.
- Jabari Currie made it in…and the young man has indeed reached 6-5!
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