Michigan drops Big Ten opener

Michigan men’s basketball coach John Beilein saw an example of what he wants his teams to be like down the road.

Unfortunately for Beilein, that team was wearing red.

In No. 23 Michigan’s 73-61 loss to Wisconsin today at Crisler Arena, the Badgers played fundamental basketball and used their size to pull away from the Wolverines.

“Wisconsin just put on a clinic, especially in the first half, just how to play solid basketball — what it means to play both solid defense and be patient,” Beilein said. “That would be our goal to be as solid as they were tonight.”

Michigan (0-1 Big Ten, 10-3 overall) entered today’s Big Ten opener undefeated at home but quickly realized there will be more physicality in conference play than in its recent cupcake schedule. The Wolverines have won just once of their last six meetings with the Badgers.

Wisconsin took an 11-point lead six with 13:26 left in the first half and held a double-digit margin for much of the game.

Freshman guard Zack Novak started for the first time in his career, getting the nod over senior forward Jevohn Shepherd. And Novak gave little room for doubt that he deserves the spot.

He was the lone bright spot for the Wolverines - going 7-for-11 from the field, including 5-for-8 on 3-pointers. Novak led all players with 20 points and tied for the lead with eight rebounds.

“He's better than the way we were guarding him, but he hit some tough shots,” Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said. “Some of those other guys were getting looks. ... His went down.”

The Badgers (1-0, 10-3) went into halftime with an 11-point lead thanks to stellar 15-for-23 first-half shooting, including 4-for-8 from behind the arc.

Wisconsin’s second leading scorer and leading rebounder, Marcus Landry played just 23 minutes because of foul trouble, but the Wolverines failed to take advantage.

Michigan’s 1-3-1 defense couldn’t handle the Badgers’ size and athleticism down low and Beilein played more man-to-man defense than in the past few games. With the Wolverines’ smaller lineup, Wisconsin drove to the basket from every direction with ease, especially in the first half.

“We're not as good as we hope to be down the road,” Beilein said of Michigan’s zone defense. “Whether down the road is this year or next year, it will get better, but it's not good right now.”

The Wolverines played a patient first half committing just one turnover. But then there was visible frustration as their shots continued to clank of the rim as part of their 20-for-51 shooting afternoon.

Sophomore forward Manny Harris tried to take control of the game as Wisconsin continued to extend its lead.

But each possession he attempted his characteristic slash to the basket, the ball wouldn’t fall. Harris finished with nine points, six rebounds and three turnovers.

Redshirt freshman guard Laval Lucas-Perry had wowed fans with his 3-point shot since his debut against Oakland on Dec. 20. But even his open looks wouldn’t drop, and he was 1-for-6 from 3-point range.

Even junior forward DeShawn Sims’s late, second-half dunk attempt missed.

Sims suffered a minor ankle “tweak” Monday against North Carolina Central. Beilein said Sims says he's 100 percent, but Beilein thinks differently.

Despite a crowd of more than 11,000, fans had little to cheer about. Today’s game was one of two Big Ten home games over winter break, which many students will not attend.

Michigan will return to action Sunday, when it takes on Illinois at home.