The Michigan Wolverines stayed undefeated as we approach the midway point of the regular season. A perfect 9-0 start continued as Michigan blew out two talented conference opponents with an 84-73 win over Maryland and an impressive 85-66 win over No. 19 Northwestern. Here are the top five highlights from this week’s action:
No. 5: Franz Wagner with the euro step
Franz Wagner has played really well over the last three games...
— Daniel Plocher (@DanPlocher) January 4, 2021
He's averaging 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in that span.
Heating up at the right time as 3 of the Wolverines' next 4 opponents are ranked. pic.twitter.com/vH52l7ahU7
Everyone is playing well right now for Michigan, but there may not be a player better on the court than Franz Wagner. He finished with a double-double with a stat line of 14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks. That adds to an impressive 17.7 points and 7 rebounds that he has earned over his last three games. If Wagner stays hot, Michigan has a real chance of being a big-time threat come March.
No. 4 Hunter Dickinson throws it down
More like, Hunter Dunkinson.
— Michigan On BTN (@MichiganOnBTN) January 4, 2021
(Sorry.)
: @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/d9AUzv1D4j
The freshman scored a quiet 19 points against the Wildcats on Sunday as he was one of five Wolverines to reach double figures in the win. Here, he was freed by an up-screen from Wagner and Mike Smith found him with a nice one-handed pass into the key.
Dickinson had his most impressive performance of the season against Maryland scoring a career-high 26 points and bringing down 11 boards for his third double-double in 9 games. He’s been a huge reason why Michigan should be propelled to a Top-10 team after their wins this week.
No. 3 Chaundee Brown strips and slams
Chaundee Brown is hyped! @cbrownballin935 // @umichbball pic.twitter.com/LrY37B8FnW
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 4, 2021
Chaundee Brown is one of the best sixth men in the country. Night after night the transfer guard puts on a show coming off the bench and Sunday night was no different. Brown had 14 points marking the fourth time this year that he has scored double-digits off of the bench.
This steal and slam from Brown brought fire to the eyes of the Wolverines and propelled Michigan to pull away late in the second half and never look back.
No. 2 Brooks’ ferocious dunk starts the onslaught
On New Year's, Eli Brooks brought the fireworks! pic.twitter.com/jGfxRmkH2f
— Daniel Plocher (@DanPlocher) January 4, 2021
While you were out partying on New Year’s, Eli Brooks brought the fireworks to College Park in the road win over Maryland. In a tight game midway through the second half, Brooks received a nice pass from Dickinson, avoided a defender mid-air, and slammed it home. At just 6’1”, who knew the senior could get up like this?
After this play, the Wolverines went on a 19-7 run that put this game to bed before 2021 began.
No. 1 An alley-oop finish from Brooks
You know @EliJBrooks for his 3-point shooting.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 4, 2021
The @umichbball G has some serious springs, too. pic.twitter.com/M3T5Th4JJL
Back-to-back Brooks? You betcha! The senior guard got up on this fast break to throw it down. It was the highlight of a season-high 14 point performance from Brooks as the entire team put on a show in the big win.
For a guy who many saw as a borderline starter entering the year after the additions of Mike Smith and Chaundee Brown, Brooks has been a pleasant surprise to this point averaging 9.8 points per game in his starting spot.