After blowout loss, Juwan Howard vows to maintain Michigan’s ‘rich tradition’
Purdue guard Braden Smith (3) shoots against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in West Lafayette, Ind., Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)AP
Juwan Howard stood in a hallway outside Mackey Arena’s visitors’ locker room, his back literally against the wall, and assessed Michigan’s most lopsided loss in 17 years.
There was a six-minute segment in the first half he appreciated, but that was about it from the 99-67 setback on Tuesday night.
“It’s a very disappointing loss on all levels,” he said.
The narrative surrounding Michigan men’s basketball last season and, until recently, this season was the Wolverines’ inability to win close games. As the competition has improved, Michigan has struggled to stay in contact. A dismal second half last time out, Thursday against Illinois, carried over into Tuesday’s performance.
Michigan let the Boilermakers get comfortable early. Aside from the aforementioned brief stretch starting midway through the first half, they never got out rhythm. Purdue made seven 3-pointers in each half, with seven different players connecting from deep.
