Men’s Basketball: Michigan Beats Detroit 90 to 58 at Little Caesars Arena

Michigan Beats Detroit 90 to 58 at Little Caesars Arena

The first college basketball game at Joe Louis Arena was back in 1979 when Michigan Played Detroit Mercy. In fact it was the first college basketball game to be played at that arena. 29 years later, the same two teams played in the first ever college basketball game to be played at the Brand new Little Caesars Arena in 2017. Michigan without Moe Wagner, handley beat the Titans of Detroit Mercy 90-58.

Despite the loss, Detroit Mercy had a great performance from former Michigan star Kam Chatman who had 18 points on the game but was also excited to play his former team in Michigan.“It felt kind of good. Just the respect I have for Michigan and Coach Beilein. It was exciting, but I was mainly trying to get the win with my team.” Chatman Says.  Chatman was not the only player playing against his former team in Michigan. Detroit head Coach Bacari Alexander played against his former team and Michigan and played against John Beilein for the first time.

Michigan came out strong against Detroit early and got some strong performances from a lot of strong players. Even without Moe Wagner, it was Jon Teske who was in the starting role and also had a double double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. He also credits Wagner who has been a mentor on the court. “He helps me a lot. Each and every day he’s always talking to me and helping me with my game. When he’s on the bench, he sometimes sees things that I don’t see on the court. He’s always by my side and always helping me. It’s great to have a teammate like that.” Teske Said

Duncan Robinson also had a good performance in the game as he had 11 points and was 4 for 5 from field goal range. He also credits the defense as being a major part of the win. “Our effort level on that end has been huge. To see our opponents’ field goal percentage go down is encouraging, so we’re going to continue to build off that.” Robinson Said

Charles Matthews had 20 points and 7 rebounds on the game. But got to the arena a half hour before the game due to the passing of his Grandmother. “Unfortunately, Charles Matthews’ grandmother passed away. We flew him back to Chicago and he got here about a half hour before the game started.” Said Head Coach John Beilein

Beilein also noted playing against his assistant coaches which he is very uncomfortable with playing against his assistant coaches but was happy with it for the good of college basketball. “I don’t like coaching against any of my coaches. I’m so blessed. We’ve got a big (coaching) tree out there now. I don’t want to coach against any of them at any time. I’m uncomfortable with it, but it was for the greater good of college basketball in this area. Playing in this arena, win or lose; it was going to be worth it.” Beilein Said

Michigan’s Next Game with be on Thursday December 21st when the wolverines welcome Alabama A&M to crisler center. Tip off will be at 9 pm.