In many games, that would have been where it unraveled — especially when Johns, Teske’s replacement, instantly picked up two fouls on the same possession. But Beilein took the risk and put Teske back in along with Livers.
After that, Fernando had six points, Smith had two and Michigan had a 65-52 win.
On Saturday afternoon though, it took nearly three minutes for the Terrapins to score. Before they could do so for a second time, Michigan’s lead had ballooned to 14-2. Maryland (19-7 overall, 10-5 Big Ten) eventually reversed course, but — much like for the Wolverines on Tuesday — it was too late, as Michigan (23-3, 12-3) held on to win, 65-62.
Because as well as he has played, his team has reached its collective worst in a season that has included far more highs than lows. And for Matthews — likely in his last season at Michigan — to reach the heights he imagined when he transferred here, his teammates need to rediscover those highs.
“Time is running short,” Matthews said. “It ain't no more, ‘We'll fix it later.’ Time is now.”
STATE COLLEGE — The ball fell through the net and Luke Yaklich’s head slumped over his body, hands falling forward, then everything else moving with it, the assistant coach’s posture shaping into an upside-down L.
Michigan coach John Beilein was ejected at the end of the first half, and Penn State never looked back from a 13-point halftime lead, stunning the Wolverines on Tuesday night.
Don’t tell Jordan Poole he’s in a slump. At least not to his face.
“I personally don’t like to use the word slump. It’s a media thing,” the sophomore guard said last Monday after he shot 3-for-9 in a loss to Iowa. “But there’ll just be games where you don’t hit shots. … I bounce back. That’s all there is to it.”
The village of Onsted does not have a lot.
But it does have a stoplight, and John Beilein knows all about it.
Three weeks ago in Madison, Michigan’s undefeated season lay in the balance of a one-point game with seven minutes to play. That time, the Wolverines’ offense wilted, scoring just 10 points over the remainder of the gane and falling, 64-54, at the hands of the Badgers.
Ethan Happ grabbed the collar of his jersey, brought it to his face and clenched it with his teeth. His head slumped, his hands covered his neck as he shuffled to the end of the Wisconsin handshake line.
With time winding and the crowd at its crescendo, it was Matthews again, bouncing a few feet in front of the free throw line and nailing another jumper, extending the lead to seven. It would prove decisive as No. 7 Michigan (22-2 overall, 11-2 Big Ten) found its way to a 61-52 win over No. 19 Wisconsin (17-7, 9-4).