Instant Reaction: Michigan 68 - Syracuse 65

It wasn't easy, but the Michigan Wolverines (6-1) were able to hold off the Syracuse Orange (5-2) at Crisler Center on Tuesday night.

It was Spike Albrecht's night, as he was able to put up a stat line of 11 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two steals and the game-winning three-pointer in the final minute of the game. Zak Irvin led the team in points with 18.

Albrecht has been seen by many as playing second fiddle to Derrick Walton at point guard, but with Walton dealing with an injury, Spike was able to rise to the occasion and show once again he is more than just someone who comes in to simply run the offense.

While Albrecht can probably be penciled in as the player of the game, the development of freshman big man Ricky Doyle continues to be impressive, as he scored 12 points and hauled in six rebounds. He plays like an upperclassman and rose to the challenge of matching up with Syracuse senior center Rakeem Christmas.

Mark Donnal continues to get the starts at center, but it appears that long term Doyle is going to be the better option. Donnal has shown his fair share of potential early on this season, but Doyle is ahead of him at the moment.

The Michigan win puts the Big Ten at 5-0 in their annual challenge against the ACC.

They next take on NJIT Saturday at home. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. EST.