Every time Michigan has taken a step forward over the course of this really tough season,

it seemed like they've taken multiple steps back.

The Wolverines had some adversity early in the year.

Joanne Howard's medical issues forced him to miss a ton of time, understandably so.

Yet the Wolverines surged out to a three and oh start.

After that, things got really challenging. Once John Howard

came back, Michigan came up with a win, and then they lost Doug McDaniel to that academic-related

road game suspension. Then they get Doug back on the road and had a really impressive effort

in a losing performance to Purdue back on Sunday.

And then on Thursday night, the Wolverines just did not have the skill level, the ability,

or the effort required to win anywhere in the Big Ten, especially at a place like Rutgers.

And it was striking the difference on Thursday night because despite a tough season,

Rutgers has always, under Steve

Pichael, maintained the same MO, the same mindset. Be tough, be defensively strong,

and you'll be able to make things difficult for opponents anytime you play, but especially

in the trapezoid of terror at Jersey Mike's arena.

But yet Rutgers dominated this one on both ends of the floor.

They came in coming off one of their worst performances of the season.

They scored just 46 points against Maryland on Sunday.

They drop 82 against the Wolverines on Thursday.

They only made six first half shots against the Terps four days prior, yet they started seven of seven against the Wolverines.

All things told, Rutgers, 52% shooting.

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