Tables turned: Michigan no longer the underdog

By Alex Prosperi
Daily Sports Writer  On  December 12th, 2008

A year after finishing with a losing record, the Michigan men’s basketball team now has a target on its back.

“We were always the ones doing the hunting,” fifth-year senior guard C.J. Lee said of last year. “When you're being hunted it's kind of a different mentality.”

After beating two No. 4 teams, UCLA and Duke, the Wolverines have a new challenge. Their next four games are against non-BCS conference teams that are a combined 9-27. Michigan can’t afford to drop a game to a lower quality opponent before Big Ten plays begins.

But Michigan assistant coach Mike Jackson doesn’t foresee a letdown.

“There's a competitive rivalry between the two schools,” Jackson said. “The guys know each other. They play against each other a lot. Our guys have a mutual respect and something that will be held for a year based on how this game goes. I think our guys are ready for that challenge.”

Michigan has won five straight against the Eagles and holds a 17-1 all-time record.

Saturday’s tip-off is at 4 p.m. at Crisler Arena.

Cronin update: The decision to redshirt freshman center Ben Cronin will likely be made early next week, according to Jackson.

Cronin, who has been hampered by a hip-injury and was cleared to play at the end of October, has played just ten minutes all season, collecting eight points and five rebounds.

“I think we're at that point right now where we do have to make a decision,” Jackson said.

Printed from www.michigandaily.com on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:22:54 -0400