I'll start this episode to defend the block the same way that the conversation will begin with

head coach Juan Howard coming up in a little bit, just rattling off some numbers. Michigan commits

a season high tying 19 turnovers. They lead the 19 points against a Rutgers offense that came in

last in the big 10 in almost every category except for scoring off turnovers where they were one

of the best in the Big Ten.

Also, Michigan gave up an 18 to two run to finish the ballgame over the final seven minutes.

Rutgers outscored Michigan 39 to 20.

And in the second half, some of the hustle numbers, the strength numbers, the care numbers,

were significantly tilted to Rutgers, 25 to 16 in rebounds, 12 to nothing in second chance

points, and 22 to 10 in points in the paint.

In a game that Michigan led by as many as 15, and in a game that Michigan

led for 34 minutes, they lose 69 to 59. Here on Defend the Block following Tuesday's loss at Michigan

State, I talked about the fact that when you lose a game like Michigan had lost against Iowa

and against Michigan State, played pretty well in the first half, didn't have it at all in the second half.

It certainly magnified more in terms of the rivalry environment on the road at Breslin Center.

And we heard all the chance and all the booing and all the support for Michigan State, all of that.

But then you turn around four days later and it happens against the team closest to you in the

standings. The loser of this one would assume sole possession of last place in the Big Ten,

and obviously that now belongs to Michigan. And when it happens so emphatically, so quickly,

so tilted toward Rutgers in the second half, again, 39 to 20.

Maybe it doesn't quite magnify the same within the fan base because it's Michigan versus Rutgers,

whereas that was Michigan versus Michigan State.

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