Men's Hoopsters Beat The Wolfpack

Michigan played their role in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge Tuesday evening by beating North Carolina State in Crisler Arena, 68-61.

It was an exciting first half, as Michigan jumped out to a 7-0 lead with Twin Towers Chris Hunter and Courtney Sims overpowering the smaller Wolfpack.

But then NC-State got hot from beyond the three-point arc with 5 different players hitting one three each (The Wolfpack shot 50% overall for the half, 11 of 22) as State went on an 18-2 tear to lead 18-9 at the 12:50 mark.

It took Michigan the whole rest of the half to claw their way back, as the Wolverines were cold from beyond the arc, going only 2 for 9. But led by freshman guard Dion Harris (8 first half points) Michigan applied great defensive pressure, causing 12 Wolfpack turnovers and getting numerous transition baskets. At 2:35 Michigan finally took the lead back 29-17, and at the break they'd extended it to 33-27.

The second half was closely fought, but led by Daniel Horton, who heated up in the final stanza to finish with 16 points, 5 rebounds and three assists, Michigan led the whole way by from 4 to ten points. In the end the Wolverines were victorious 68-61.

In addition to Horton, Michigan had strong games from fellow guards Dion Harris with 12 points, and Bernard Robinson with 10. Overall the Wolverines shot 40% (22 of 54). If there was one area of concern it was the 3-point shooting, where Michigan was only 2 of 17.

Michigan is 4-0 on the season now ... are they knocking on a Top 25 ranking?

The Wolverines' next game is Saturday night at Vanderbilt.