Juwan Howard credits play of Dug McDaniel in Michigan State win

Michigan snapped their two-game losing streak on Saturday with a victory over Michigan State, and Juwan Howard was elated with the play of Dug McDaniel.

The Wolverines guard led the team in scoring, amassing 18 points, four rebounds and four assists during Saturday’s contest. Afterwards, Howard credited the play of McDaniel in leading Michigan to a much needed win.

“From start to finish, and I’ll start from the beginning of the game. Doug, with his energy on the defensive end and then offensively, he made some tough shots. But he also allowed the game to come to him,” stated Howard. “Not saying he hasn’t before, but when he set the tone the way he did, the guys really rallied behind Doug. Then you’ve got a lot of energy from our bench. … those guys were really dialed in to compete.”

On the season, McDaniel has averaged 7.5 points per game, so his 18-point outburst is something Howard hopes to see more of over the remainder of Michigan’s season.

It’s been an uneven season for the Wolverines, but they’re marching towards the NCAA Tournament with big hopes. Time will tell if they can right their ship before then.

Juwan Howard puts rivalry aside to support Michigan State amid tragedy

Moreover, Michigan coach Juwan Howard prepared his team for their rivalry game against Michigan State on Saturday, but he knew there were more important things going on. That was never more evident than after a shooting took place on the MSU campus Monday, resulting in the death of three students.

Five others were wounded in the shooting, which resulted in the postponement of the Spartans’ basketball game against Minnesota. Michigan State traveled to Ann Arbor for their first game since the tragedy, and Howard was in contact with Spartans coach Tom Izzo throughout to let him know he is thinking of the school. 

“I’ve talked to coach Izzo by text as well as (football) coach Mel Tucker,” Howard said. “Just letting them know that we at Michigan, despite the sport and how we both are rivals, when it comes to a tragedy like that, you put the sport aside. All you think about it is those lost ones that unfortunately had to deal with that situation. Our prayers and thoughts are with the families. We will continue to pray and support Michigan State as they deal with this sad tragedy.”

Additionally, Michigan revealed Wednesday that some of its teams will wear special helmet decals to honor the victims of the shooting. The basketball team honored Michigan State in many ways on Saturday, proving that some things are bigger than sports.

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.