Big game for big men keeps Ellerbe optimistic

EAST LANSING - Amid the rubble of Michigan's 81-67 loss to Michigan State on Saturday even the most pessimistic of fans can find a gleaming nugget of hope.

Michigan's frontcourt put together its best game of the season, even though it wasn't enough to overcome the Spartans or the Spartan, 24-point effort offered up by the Michigan guards.

"I saw some things that encouraged me," Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe said.

This was the second game in a row in which Michigan's forwards and centers played more than bit parts. So despite the sour result, this is the kind of game that the Wolverines have been waiting for.

Forward Josh Asselin's 17 points were a career-best performance, topping his record of 16 from Tuesday night's defeat of Indiana. Freshman forward Chris Young tied his career best with seven points.

Peter Vignier (left) and Josh Asselin gave the Wolverines the post presence they needed to stay competitive against Michigan State.

Center Peter Vignier and forward Brandon Smith came within two and four points of their career marks, as well.

"That gives us the opportunity to see that we can score points and rebound and do some things against a top-15 team," Ellerbe said.

But for the Wolverines to be "in the thick of things" the way Ellerbe thinks they can be, Michigan will have to provide a combined effort. Games in which only the guards, or only the frontcourt plays well will most likely wind up as losses.

Exhibit A for that would be the play of guards Louis Bullock and Robbie Reid. The pair - usually good for 34.1 points a game - provided just 22 on Saturday. And at the half, only Bullock had scored, making one of his six first-half shots.

"They didn't play very well, and that's going to happen," Ellerbe said. "They're human. They didn't play very well in the first half or the second half."

But the confidence of such usually sharp shooters as Bullock and Reid is hard to shake. And Michigan's green frontcourt is getting more and more seasoning, both in practice and in games.

"We've been doing a lot of individual breakdowns and working on different post moves," Young said. "I feel that my confidence is building every game."

So is everyone else's.

AP PHOTO

01-11-99