Juwan Howard breaks down what allowed for strong offensive second half vs. Northwestern

Michigan hasn’t quite had the season they hoped on the basketball court in Juwan Howard’s fourth year as head coach. The Wolverines are currently just 12-10 and are middle of the pack in the Big Ten, and definitely on the outside looking in at the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the Northwestern team they faced the other night is competing on the bubble for the first time in several years. So picking up a win against the Wildcats was huge for Michigan.

The defense showed up, holding Northwestern to just 51 total points, while the offense really got going in the second half to seal the victory. When asked what changed between those first and second halves afterward, Howard said it was a mental thing:

“Mindset it was based on, you know, in the first half, shots did not go down for us,” Howard said. “Our guys kept plugging away, especially on the defensive end, giving the effort, giving the energy, bringing the toughness.

Howard really wasn’t concerned about the first-half performance, and just thought the shooting needed to even out after some tough breaks in the first.

“I said to them at halftime that, you know, we got some good open looks, continue to attack the glass,” Howard added. “At the same time, you know, those open looks will go down. Just trust it.”

Per the Michigan coach, his players just trusted the process and that’s why they came out with a win.

“That’s why I said mindset,” Howard said. “But our guys are staying the course, and so, give big credit to, you know, just how they are prepared and came out with that attitude of coming out and playing tough and hard from start to finish.”

Michigan showcased as much toughness against the Wildcats as they have in any game all year. A crucial win that they desperately needed and got in blowout fashion. Perhaps this week could be a turning point for Howard and the Wolverines as they host rival and reeling Ohio State on Sunday.