Saturday's loss hurts. There's no beating around the bush in this instance.

Michigan came to Purdue, one of the most hostile environments in college basketball,

against an all-timer of an offense. This team came in as the fifth most efficient offense in the last two decades,

and three of the four in front of them went to the national championship game.

This was always going to be an uphill climb. But right now

for Michigan men's basketball, the key is trying to find their way into the NCAA tournament.

And while this one will not get it done, Michigan needs wins. They cannot afford close losses

over and over. This is a chess match because unlike most Big Ten matchups, you don't face a team less than a week later.

We'll see what Michigan can take from Saturday's loss at Mackie.

Certainly, there were some positive signs, of course, Hunter Dickinson tying a career high with 28 points.

Michigan found some success with the press.

Jace Howard very much belonged in the game during his five minutes.

We saw a great second half from Caleb Houston offensively. And Michigan was able to limit Purdue

from the three-point line to just five of 18. So there are things to work from. But ultimately,

this game and the good work that was done in a losing effort must come through coming up at Chrysler Center on Thursday.

When you have big time opportunities against potential one or two seeds in the NCAA tournament and you're sitting there barely above 500 overall, you have to deliver.

Michigan can use Saturday's game as a vehicle to get them a victory coming up

on Thursday. Now, they also must not overlook Penn State and a tough road trip on Tuesday,

but there will be plenty of positive film to glean from this one at Mackey Arena. There will be

plenty of frustrating film to glean from this one at Mackey Arena. Regardless, a split against Purdue is a net positive for Michigan in the NCAA.

Tournament picture, and right now, based on their situation, that is all that matters.

Still a tough one.

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