"If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same…"
—Rudyard Kipling, "If—"
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
(№ 10) Michigan 79-50 Nebraska
17-5, Big Ten 9-1
Saturday, 8 February 2014
(№ 17) Iowa 85-67 Michigan (№ 10)
17-6, Big Ten 9-2
If the dominant victory over the unwelcome Cornhuskers was supposed to be a "statement," a reassertion of the valiant Wolverines' prowess after the previous weekend's domination by the wily Hoosiers, then what exactly are we to make of our dismantling at the hands of the tenacious Hawkeyes? Iowa took us apart in much the same fashion as had Indiana, reveling potentially fundamental weaknesses in our scheme. Worse, we played lazy, stupid ball against Iowa, being both undisciplined & uncoordinated. We were soundly defeated. The lone bright spot was sophomore guard Caris LeVert, almost alone amongst the "leaders & best" in displaying poise, enthusiasm, & intensity against the tenacious Hawkeyes. Let us hope that the lessons we should have learnt after Indiana will sink in now that Iowa has repeated them; we must remind ourselves that this squad of valiant Wolverines is yet young, & that the experience by which the young learn is often bitter.
Next: To-night, the valiant Wolverines, now ranked № 16, visit the hated Buckeyes, now ranked № 20. We've lost our last two road games, at Indiana & at Iowa, so I fear for our chances tonight at the Value City Arena. At the same time, I am hopeful that losing two of three has refocused the valiant Wolverines' attention; when they play their best, they remain a formidable opponent for any club.
Beat Ohio! Go Blue!
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