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As the host school, Chaminade has been a fixture at the Maui Invitational for the past 30+ years. Despite being a DII school, they have historically not been the easy win you would expect for the prominent DI programs who headline the tournament. In fact, the Maui Invitational got its start after the Silverswords topped No. 1 Virginia in 1982.
Alas, Chaminade did not make history this evening. Michigan won 102-64, earning the Wolverines a much needed victory to help numb the pain of yesterday’s frustrating loss to LSU. The buckets fell early and often for the Wolverines. Shooting 61% from the floor and 50% from three, Michigan cruised into the half up 44-25. In the second half, the Wolverines remained hot from the field and pulled away with ease.
Michigan was paced by Charles Matthews, who contributed 22 pts. and 10 rebs. Until 6:34 left in the second half, he was perfect from the floor, three, and the free throw line (8/8 from the field, 2/2 from three, and 3/3 from the FT line). Aside from Matthews, the offense was spread across a number of contributors. Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman had 17 pts., Duncan Robinson had 14 pts., Moe Wagner had 10 pts., and Jordan Poole had 10 pts.
The point guard spot continues to be a work in progress for John Beilein’s crew. Graduate transfer Jaaron Simmons, sophomore Zavier Simpson, and freshman Eli Brooks again split time. On Monday, it was Brooks who had the most minutes with 17. Tonight, it was Brooks again who logged the most minutes at the point (21). Regardless of who ultimately wins the spot, Michigan will need offensive production for the position - and that hasn’t yet happened in either of the team’s Maui matchups.
With the win tonight, John Beilein’s squad moves to 4-1 on the season. They’ll play VCU tomorrow at Noon Hawaii Time (5 p.m. Eastern). That matchup will be on ESPN2.