Skip to main content
michigan logo

Caleb Houstan discusses win over Northwestern, team hitting its stride

Anthony Broomeby:Anthony Broome•01/27/22•

anthonytbroome

On3 image
Michigan freshman Caleb Houstan had 18 points in a win over Northwestern. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Michigan basketball had to scratch and claw for its third-straight victory but was able to close out Northwestern on Wednesday night to make that happen. The 72-70 win was as earned as any of them have been this year.

The Wolverines built a double-digit second-half lead, but then allowed the Wildcats to go on a 25-7 run that allowed them to take a seven-point lead with five minutes to go.

Michigan re-found its mental stability and focus and was able to grind out a victory.

“It was a timeout, and Coach just kind of said, ‘Everybody take a breath,'” freshman wing Caleb Houstan said after the game. “That this is going to be alright and it’s good. Terrance and Jaron subbed in, and I think they did a great job of next man up, and they played really well for us down the stretch.”

“It shows that he has confidence in us and everything is going to be good.”

RELATED: Wolverine TV: Juwan Howard, Michigan players react to 72-70 win over Northwestern

Leaders make presence felt

Houstan led Michigan’s scoring effort on Wednesday night with 18 points, continuing his recent hot streak. However, the second half was sparked by senior guard Eli Brooks, who scored nine of his 12 points in the final chapter of play.

His poise and energy on both ends of the floor helped the Wolverines grind out a victory.

“You cannot be as good as a leader if you’re not actually good at basketball,” Houstan said. “He’s not super vocal all the time, but he leads by example and knows when to get on guys. Having both of those as well as knowing [how to talk to guys differently], he does a good job of that based on people’s personality.”

Leaders like Brooks and sophomore center Hunter Dickinson have to make an impact in tight games. Dickinson did not have his most sterling offensive performance (9 points, 5 rebounds), but his passing ability was on display and was rewarded by shotmaking.

“I have always thought he was a really good passer even before the last few weeks,” Houstan said. “The past couple of teams have been doubling a little bit more, so he has a good ability to see over the defense and make reads. That is a very underrated part of his game.”

Michigan leans on lessons learned

Michigan probably loses a game like the one that was played Wednesday a month ago. Adversity built a callus for this group and experience helped it hone on and grab the win.

“We have really grown since the beginning of the season, where that game could have gone either way,” Houstan said. “Just growing and trying to get better every single day, and knowing that we can win games like this day-in and day-out.”

“Teams are going to play hard for 40 minutes,” he continued. “You have to stay in it no matter how much you are up. You have to play like the score is 0-0 and keep your foot on the pedal. Teams are good and are going to go on runs like we go on runs. Take a breath when teams go on runs and continue to play Michigan basketball.”

What comes next is the biggest game to date. Michigan heads to East Lansing on Saturday for a date with the rival Michigan State Spartans. The Wolverines have a shot to keep their mid-season surge going in one of the toughest environments they will see.

“We have got a lot of confidence,” Houstan said. “We are all excited as a coaching staff, and as players. Have a few prep days now to try and go in there and get a dub.”

You may also like