Juwan Howard praises 'effort and the grit' of dominant win over Maryland

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan basketball head coach Juwan Howard helmed his team to one of its most complete efforts of the season, beating Maryland 83-64 at Crisler Center on Tuesday night. It was the Wolverines’ first home game since a Dec. 18 victory over Southern Utah.

Michigans wire-to-wire victory was defined by a strong defensive effort and timely shotmaking on offense. Howard thought the team set a tone right off the bat.

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“I loved our defensive disposition, especially in the first five minutes of the game,” Howard said in his postgame press conference. “Our guys were really active, getting deflections and were into their man causing disruption. Some of the shots that were made were ones where Maryland had to earn it. There was nothing easy.

“Our first half set the tone, but there was a letdown in the second half. They went 7-for-7 in the first four or five minutes in the second half. That’s not us and is why I called a timeout in reminding our guys about Maryland being a second-half team. Let’s not get caught scoreboard watching. Overall, I loved the way we competed.”

Hunter Dickinson returns

Tuesday was positive in more than just the win column for Michigan basketball. Sophomore big man Hunter Dickinson returned after missing the game at Illinois, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds and six assists in 30 minutes. His entire skill-set was on display against the Terrapins.

“It was great to have him back healthy on the floor,” Howard said. “His presence out there, he just makes his teammates better. He is going to get doubled and he’ll still make plays for others. He also is skilled enough [in all areas] to find ways to impact the game. Not just with the ball going in the basket, but altering shots on the defensive end. Hunter was really strong for us when he got the ball in the paint. He was helping out defensively and being very impactful.”

Conditioning was a concern for Dickinson coming off of a bout with COVID-19. Howard admitted he may have been pestering him throughout the night about a break, but that his postgame treatment was well-earned.

“Every time we had a timeout, I asked if he was ok or if he needed a sub,” Howard said. “I think he got tired of hearing me say it. He’s a competitor and missed being out there with his teammates. It is good that now we have a day or so of rest because he’s going to be sore tomorrow. He hasn’t had the chance to play in a live-action game. An opponent like Maryland isn’t taking any possessions off. It will be good for him to get in the cold tub. He will need it.

A strong showing from Caleb Houstan

Perhaps the most notable outcome of Michigan’s win over Maryland was a breakout performance from freshman wing Caleb Houstan. The former five-star recruit had been dealing with a shooting slump coming into the night but finished with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting (3-of-4 from three).

Howard said nothing about his approach has changed despite an inconsistent start to the season.

“It was great to see Caleb have the game that he had,” Howard said. “When you’re out there competing on the first play, the ball hits your hands and your first shot goes in, that’s a sign of relief. You feel good about yourself and it’s going to be a good night. But then, he made some really good plays. Whether it was driving to the basket and finishing the and-one or shooting his shot when he felt it hit his hands, not thinking twice about it.

“The confidence is there. It’s not where he has missed shots and we have been harping on it. We have not done that at all. I do not want him or his teammates to overthink or analyze it when you go through a shooting slump. There is a lot of season to be played and a lot of games left. You will have your opportunity again.”

Houstan has never hung his head or pouted throughout the year. He has continued to put shots up in hopes that one would go through. A stonefaced approach has his coach comparing him to a pair of NBA superstars.

“Caleb is a great kid and comes from a great family,” Howard said. “Mom and dad have done a phenomenal job keeping him balanced. How he approaches everything, he always has this one face. I call it the ‘Kawhi Leonard/Tim Duncan face.’ But there are times where he will get emotional and let players know when they talk at him. He is a competitor and has been since he has been here. Caleb has been in the gym consistently and getting his work in.”

Michigan basketball thriving on grit

Michigan shot 58.3% from the floor and had 19 assists on Tuesday night. It held Maryland to 19 first-half points and smothered them throughout the night. Success at both ends aside, Howard said this win was all about the attitude and approach.

“It’s more than just making shots,” he said. “It is about the effort and the grit. We had [it] against Illinois, but it didn’t go our way. We had it today and we kept it on. There were also healthier bodies that were available. It was good to have one of your best players back and healthy. That helped and gave us the lift that we needed.”

Michigan basketball will attempt to keep its grit streak going on Sunday afternoon at Indiana. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.