Michigan- 72, San Diego State 58
A monumental Saturday for Michigan athletics began with the men’s hoops team taking on the Aztecs of San Diego State. After a disappointing start to the season, the Wolverines hoped to bounce back and build some momentum.
The two teams exchanged first half blows while San Diego State, led by senior guard Matt Bradley, kept the game close heading into the locker room with a halftime score of Michigan 36, San Diego State 34. After the Aztecs briefly tied the game early in the second half, the Wolverines took over with what was arguably their best 10-minute stretch of the young season.
Hunter Dickinson finally played up to his All-American potential notching 23 points and 14 rebounds, while the touted freshman Caleb Houstan added 17 points on 4 of 5 shooting from behind the arch. Senior guard Eli Brooks added 10 points as the Wolverines exploded off to a 20 point lead with 4:16 left in the game. San Diego State closed the gap, but Michigan was too much for them, ultimately winning by 14.
WC Take: Everyone will be talking about the big man Hunter Dickinson and Caleb Houstan’s scoring performance, but the revelation for me was the play of backup point guard Frankie Collins. Nobody is doubting that starting point guard Devante Jones can play. Clearly a guy that won the SWAC player of the year knows his way around the court and deserves significant minutes on any team. But there is no denying that what Frankie Collins has done on the court this year provides Michigan with a much needed spark. When he’s running the offense, the ball doesn’t stick, and the energy in his game is palpable. When it’s all said and done, Devante might solidify his place as the starter, and Frankie may just end up being a solid backup option, but based on what we’ve seen so far I believe Frankie Collins should get a chance in the starting lineup.
Prior to today’s game it was a legitimate question to ask whether or not Michigan was good enough to even make the tournament. It appears that they’ve answered that question. After a convincing win against a solid San Diego State team, the Wolverines head into their first Big 10 matchup on Tuesday against Nebraska with some much needed confidence, momentum, and swagger.
