Rocky road

Another 'must win' for cagers

By Dan Williams

Daily Sports Writer

Nine days ago, Michigan sophomore Gavin Groninger candidly dubbed Michigan's game with Indiana a must win.

The Wolverines went on to pick up their first victory worth hanging a hat on, 70-64 - temporarily appeasing the team's followers. But Michigan slipped back into its self-defeating funk last Saturday, succumbing to Illinois on the road 80-51.

With Michigan's record slipping to 1-2 in the Big Ten (7-7 overall), and the team remaining winless outside of Crisler, Groninger again called tonight's game at Ohio State is a "must win."

"We have to get this one on the road," Groninger said. "We know that. Hopefully we'll come out and play like we did against Indiana."

Beating the Buckeyes (2-2, 11-5) poses a difficult task for Michigan. Ohio State not only valiantly defends Value City Arena (39-5 all-time record), but the Buckeyes have also looked surprisingly strong this season in the post-Micheal Redd and Scoonie Penn era.

Ken Johnson is the core of the revamped Ohio State squad offensively as well as defensively this year. The athletic 6-foot-11 center from Detroit is averaging 12.4 points-a-game to go along with four blocks-per-game.

"He affects the game a good bit," Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe said. "You have to account for him. You have to be aware of him, but you can't be afraid of him."

Ohio State turns to two slashing guards in junior Brian Brown and sophomore Brent Darby to score when Johnson is defended.

But make no mistake, the Buckeyes grind out their wins on defense. Ohio State opponents average just 60 points-a-game on 39-percent shooting.

The buzz phrase for Michigan in its trials has been fouls. When Michigan's big men are wallowing in foul trouble, the team's rhythm and confidence are severely handicapped. Against the Fighting Illini, Josh Moore, Josh Asselin and Chris Young all fouled out in the loss.

But when Michigan frequents the foul line and converts on its opportunities, the team becomes dangerous. The Wolverines connected on 20-of-26 free throws as they bested the Hoosiers.

Michigan is also looking for candidates to divert the heat facing LaVell Blanchard, who is circled in red ink on the scouting report of every opponent.

Freshman Bernard Robinson, second only to Blanchard in scoring, has been struggling during the Big Ten season. Turnovers and wild shots have encumbered the newcomer.

"Learning shot selection with him has been everyday," Ellerbe said.

Robinson feels his slump is only temporary, and that his game will return to the form he demonstrated in earlier outings.

"I don't think I'm asserting myself as much as I can. That's just all on me," Robinson said.

MARJORIE MARSHALL/Daily

Ohio State is not the team it was last year, but Michigan needs more success than it had against Brian Cook and Illinois in order to pull out a win.