On his way to a career-high 30 points, sophomore guard Manny Harris led the Michigan men's basketball team to a 77-55 win in the first round of the 2K Sports Classic.

The Wolverines (1-0) came out much more aggressive in the first half than what they showed last Thursday against Saginaw Valley State. Any early-season jitteres were less noticeable, and Michigan capitalized with quick passing and movement away from the ball.

In the first half, Michigan showed its superiority shooting 16 of 26 including 5 for 10 from beyond the arc.

Harris ran past the Huskies' defense for 18 first-half points, with one coming from beyond the arc.

Though the Wolverines have shot over .500 in their last two games, last night’s shooting percentage can’t indicate if this year’s team can sink shots with much improvement. Last season, Michigan shot at or about .500 in its first two games, but couldn’t reach that mark until mid-December when it scored over 100 points on Oakland.

Michigan coach John Beilein went with the same starting corps Beilein said Monday he wanted to try out an eight- or nine- man rotation against the Huskies. Using the same starting lineup as last Thursday’s exhibition game against Saginaw Valley State, Beilein saw the production he was looking for with seven Wolverines scoring in the first half.

The Wolverines’ balanced attack was clear when Kelvin Grady came on the floor. Beilein said he likes to bring Grady off the bench because the quick Grand Rapids native gives Michigan a spark. Whenever Grady was in the game, the Wolverines ran the court well on the fast break, and had 11 points off turnovers and gave up zero to the Huskies.

Their scoring may have been consistently more aggressive, but the Wolverines’ rebounding woes continue. For two Division II opponents in a row, they have been outrebounded in the first half. The Huskies grabbed nine first-half offensive boards compared to Michigan’s three.

The Huskies came out in the second half with an 11-3 run in the first half, but it was the Wolverines the rest of the time. Michigan Tech would come within 15 points at times, but the game was pretty non-threatening.

Michigan would pull ahead as the half progressed and big men Eric Puls and Ben Cronin saw action with about two minutes left.
The Crisler Arena court was adorned with the 2K Sports Classic logo with the New York skyline in the background.

The Wolverines will play tomorrow in the regional final against a Northeastern team than easily defeated IUPUI in the first round tonight. Tipoff is at 8 p.m., and the winner will advance to the Championship rounds to be held in New York at Madison Square Garden Nov. 20-21.