Crisler sweep

Michigan 93, Western Michigan 78

'M' (3-0) takes care of business

Before addressing the grander issues facing the Michigan basketball team, one small point has to be resolved.

Can the Wolverines beat the teams they're supposed to beat?

Too many times, Michigan has tripped over the midgets on their schedule (did someone say Bradley?). Such unpredictability has always been a knock on the Wolverines.

DANA LINNANE/Daily Michigan's Chris Young goes up strong en route to a slam dunk over Western Michigan's Jesse Slauter. The Wolverines didn't let Western Michigan slip by with a third straight series win, dispatching the Broncos 93-78 on Saturday at Crisler Arena.

That's why Saturday's 93-78 victory over visiting Western Michigan (0-3) was such a relief for coach Brian Ellerbe. While paying the Broncos the proper respect for having beaten them each of the past two seasons, the reality was that the Wolverines had the opportunity to remain undefeated, playing at home against a team that most have picked to finish in the back of the MAC pack.

Michigan (3-0) didn't blow it. Maybe it's because these five freshmen are still at the point in their careers where they respect everyone, and take nothing for granted. Maybe the revenge factor served as motivation for the upperclassmen. Whatever the reason, the lack of a Maize Rage and the laid-back mood of the holiday weekend didn't lull the Wolverines to sleep.

"I was worried about that (lack of Maize Rage), because we do have a young team, and they feed off that," Ellerbe said. "Jamal looked around, and he thought he was going to see the T-shirts - they have to get themselves motivated, and I talked to them about that."

Western Michigan inched its way to a 13-9 lead early, taking advantage of the Wolverines' tentative start. But as soon as Michigan's ball movement began to click - the product of which was a sizzling 70 percent shooting in the first half - the less-talented Broncos kindly stepped out of the way while the Wolverines steamrolled to a 52-32 halftime advantage.

"When we did make our run, it was very simple plays - dribbling, spreading the floor, pitching it to the open guy, and getting it back," Ellerbe said. "When we try and get a little too cute, I think that's when we get in trouble."

It might have been Jamal Crawford (21 points) and Kevin Gaines (16) leading the scoring parade for the Wolverines, but there were other heroes as well. Peter Vignier had an efficient 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting, along with five rebounds, in just 18 minutes of play.

After playing just a combined eight minutes in Michigan's first two games, freshman Leland Anderson was given 17 minutes of extended playing time on Saturday, and responded with eight points and seven rebounds. More importantly, Anderson showed his good hands and workmanlike ability around the basket.

"It was nice to get him minutes," Ellerbe said. "Now we can go back to the tape, and he can see some success. I think that's very important for him to see."

Perhaps the biggest positive for Michigan is that it has been able to develop its identity and still win games at the same time. That's a luxury not always afforded to rebuilding teams.

Slowly, Michigan is morphing into the running squad that Ellerbe has envisioned. Still, the decision-making on the break needs improvement, as the young Wolverines are prone to take the first shot, not the best shot. Also, the guards are still struggling to get Josh Asselin the required amount of touches in the post.

Those areas need work. But then again, that's what games like Saturday's are for.

Busy Bees

Player Connection

Jason Collier Former transfer from Indiana

Tony Akins Recruit that evaded Ellerbe

Alvin Jones Chipmunk namesake

11-29-99