Game #10
12/26/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
vs.
TOWSON tigers (6-5)
Wednesday, December 27, 2000, 7:00 p.m.
Crisler Arena (13,562), Ann Arbor, Mich.
Complete Release in PDF (21 pages, 114 KB)
Radio Coverage: WJR (760 AM Detroit) will originate the game on the Michigan Basketball Network. Frank Beckmann will handle the play-by-play and Dugan Fife will be the color analyst for the Wolverines.
Television Coverage: The game will not be broadcast on television.
Game Day Live: All Michigan men's basketball games can be followed live with Game Day Live on the Michigan website (mgoblue.com). Features include live audio for all games and live stats and a shotchart for home games.
Tickets: Available. Tickets prices for single-game tickets are $18 for the blue section and $14 for the gold section. For further Michigan basketball ticket information call the Michigan Ticket Office at (734) 764-0247.
Coaches: : Michigan is coached by Brian Ellerbe, who is in his seventh season as a collegiate head coach. He carries a 56-47 record in his four years with the Wolverines. Towson is coached by Mike Jaskulski, who is in his eighth season as a collegiate head coach. He carries a 31-64 record in his four years with the Tigers.
Rankings: Michigan is not ranked. Towson is not ranked.
Officials: Phil Bova, Gene Monje, William Bush
Towson Website: www.towson.edu/athletics
Michigan Against Towson
The Wolverines have a perfect 3-0 record against Towson. The series began in 1997 with the Wolverines winning 75-73 in Towson, Md. The last two meetings have been in Ann Arbor, Mich., with the Wolverines getting back-to-back victories, 60-45 in 1998 and 98-84 last year. In addition to the perfect record against Towson, the Wolverines also carry a perfect record against America East Conference teams.
Wolverines and the Tigers
| Date | Opponent | Site | W/L | Score | Margin |
| Nov. 24, 1997 | Towson | A | W | 75-73 | 2 |
| Nov. 30, 1998 | Towson | H | W | 60-45 | 15 |
| Dec. 28, 1999 | Towson | H | W | 98-84 | 14 |
Michigan vs. America East
| School | W | L | Pct. | First game |
| Boston University | 3 | 0 | 1.000 | 1989 |
| Delaware | 2 | 0 | 1.000 | 1957 |
| Towson | 3 | 0 | 1.000 | 1997 |
| Vermont | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 1982 |
| Totals | 9 | 0 | 1.000 | |
Wolverines Hitting the Numbers
Michigan shot a season-best 59 percent from the field against Morris Brown (Dec. 23). The Wolverines' previous best was 53.8 percent against Western Michigan (Nov. 21). In addition to the shooting percentage, Michigan has scored above the 90-point mark in three of its four wins this season -- Western Michigan (92-78), Wagner (98-83) and Morris Brown (95-81). For the season, Michigan is averaging 79.9 points a game.
One Rim-Ringer and Streak Gets Blemished
Freshman Bernard Robinson Jr.'s consecutive free throw streak was stopped at 22 when he missed on his third attempt in the game against Morris Brown (Dec. 23). The ball rattled in and around the rim before falling out to end the streak. But Robinson Jr. would not be stopped as he started again, making the next four free throw attempts in a row, finishing the game 7-for-8. He leads the team and is 11th in the Big Ten with an 83.6 percentage from the charity stripe.
Despite One Streak Ending, Another Continues
Freshman Bernard Robinson Jr. has scored in double figures in all nine games this season and is second on the team lead with 17.2 points a game. He has not scored below 12 points on the season and has a career high of 20 against Maryland (Dec. 2).
Robinson Jr. Sets Bests Against Morris Brown
Freshman Bernard Robinson Jr. had a career high with six assists against Morris Brown (Dec. 23). His previous best was five against Bowling Green (Dec. 13). For the season he is third on the team with 22. In addition to his dishes against the Fighting Wolverines, Robinson Jr. tied the season best for points in a half. His 17 first-half points equaled the team best of 17 set by "B-Rob" in the second half at Duke (Dec. 9).
Getting to the Line
Freshman Bernard Robinson Jr. and sophomore LaVell Blanchard have made a habit of getting to the free throw line in the nine games played this season. Robinson Jr. has made a team-leading 55 trips to the charity stripe, while Blanchard is just behind with 49. "B-Rob" also leads the team with an 83.6 percentage mark, while "L.B." is connecting on 77.6 percent of his free throws.
The Dynamic Duo
Freshman Bernard Robinson Jr. and sophomore LaVell Blanchard have become the dangerous duo for the Wolverines. Both have almost identical stat lines as they have led the Wolverines all season long. Blanchard has pulled ahead as he leads the team with 18.3 points a game, while Robinson Jr. is second with 17.2. Both have played in all nine games, starting eight. Robinson Jr. has 22 assists to Blanchard's 18. "B-Rob" has nine steals to "L.B.'s" seven. Blanchard is shooting 42.6 percent from the field, 43.6 percent on three-pointers and 77.6 percent on free throws, while Robinson Jr. is shooting 45.5, 36.0 and 83.6 percent in the same categories, respectively.
Blanchard Rising Fast to 600
Sophomore LaVell Blanchard scored his 500th career point on a 15-foot jumper against St. John's in the BB&T Classic (Dec. 3). He currently stands at 569 career points for a 15.4 career average, just 31 points away from the 600-point plateau. Blanchard has scored in double figures in 29 career games, leading the team in scoring in 18. He has a career high of 28 points against Bowling Green (Dec. 13) and has 10 career games posting 20 or more points.
Both Sides of the Board
Sophomore LaVell Blanchard has led the team in rebounding all season long with his 8.6 boards a game. But what makes it interesting is he has been cleaning the glass from both ends of the floor. He has 77 rebounds on the season, 32 on the offensive end and 45 on the defensive end. He led the team as a freshman with 7.9 rebounds a game, with a breakdown of 72 offensive and 147 defensive.
Blanchard Has Career Night Against Bowling Green
Sophomore LaVell Blanchard continues to prove there is no such thing as a sophomore jinx as he tallied a career-high 28 points against Bowling Green (Dec. 13). He bettered his 25-point outburst at Boston College (Dec. 19, 1999). The total also gave him his third 20-or-more-point performance on the season and 10th career. In addition, he tied a career high with 11 field goals against the Falcons. He previously struck for 11 against Towson (Dec. 28, 1999). He leads the Wolverines with 18.3 points and 8.6 rebounds a game.
Streak Begins for Blanchard
Sophomore LaVell Blanchard has followed Bernard Robinson Jr.'s streak at the free throw line as "L.B." has made his last 13 straight free throws. After going 1-for-2 on his first trip to the free throw line against St. John's (Dec. 3), he did not miss the next six against the Red Storm. He followed that with a 3-for-3 performance at Duke (Dec. 9) and went 4-for-4 against Bowling Green (Dec. 13) to keep his streak going. For the year, Blanchard is shooting 77.6 percent from the charity stripe.
Blanchard Does It Again
Sophomore LaVell Blanchard recorded his 12th career double-double and third double-dip this season with 20 points and 10 rebounds at Duke (Dec. 9). He is leading the team in scoring with 18.6 points a game and also leads the team with 9.0 rebounds a game.
Blanchard's Double-Dips
| Date | Opponent | Points | Rebs. |
| Dec. 1, 1999 | vs. Georgia Tech | 18 | 13* |
| Dec. 19, 1999 | at Boston College | 25* | 10 |
| Dec. 23, 1999 | Duquesne | 16 | 10 |
| Jan. 2, 2000 | Colorado State | 11 | 11 |
| Jan. 8, 2000 | at Purdue | 21 | 10 |
| Jan. 25, 2000 | at Indiana | 19 | 13* |
| Feb. 13, 2000 | Indiana | 23 | 12 |
| Feb. 19, 2000 | Penn State | 16 | 11 |
| Mar. 1, 2000 | Iowa | 15 | 11 |
| Nov. 17, 2000 | at Oakland | 19 | 13* |
| Nov. 25, 2000 | Wagner College | 24 | 13* |
| Dec. 9, 2000 | at Duke | 20 | 10 |
* career highs | |||
Asselin Makes It Back-to-Back Games as Starter
Senior Josh Asselin broke out of a mini-slump after becoming a starter the past two games, just missing getting back-to-back double-doubles. He played one of his strongest games of season against Bowling Green (Dec. 13), finishing with a season-high 18 points and nine rebounds, and followed that up with another strong performance against Morris Brown (Dec. 23), finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds. In addition, in the past two games Asselin has collected six blocks, including a season-high-tying four against Bowling Green. For the season, Asselin is averaging 8.3 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Seeing Clearly
Senior Josh Asselin was sporting a new look against Morris Brown (Dec. 23) -- protective glasses. Asselin wore the yellow-tinted glasses to protect his right eye that he injured in practice. Asselin dove for a loose ball during a drill and teammate Leon Jones' knee landed on Asselin's head, causing it to hit the floor and cause a floor burn across Asselin's eyelid. Asselin has no damage to the eye and will wear the glasses until the eyelid is fully healed.
Climbing the Swat Charts
Senior Josh Asselin became the sixth Wolverine in history to surpass the century mark in blocks with two swats at Duke (Dec. 9). He then added four against Bowling Green (Dec. 13) and two more against Morris Brown (Dec. 23) to push his career total to 106. Roy Tarpley (1983-86) is the U-M all-time leader with 251 career blocks.
U-M Career Block Leaders
| 1. | Roy Tarpley (1983-86) | 251 |
| 2. | Chris Webber (1992-93) | 175 |
| 3. | Eric Riley (1989-93) | 160 |
| 4. | Maceo Baston (1995-98) | 138 |
| 5. | Terry Mills (1988-90) | 111 |
| 6. | Josh Asselin (1997-present) | 104 |
More Numbers for Asselin
Senior Josh Asselin surpassed the 650-point career barrier on a free throw against St. John's in the BB&T Classic (Dec. 3). He currently has 685 career points for the Maize and Blue. With his 478 rebounds, Asselin is just 22 boards away from becoming the 30th Wolverine in the history of the program to surpass the 500-rebound barrier. Rudy Tomjanovich (1968-70) holds the all-time Michigan mark with 1,039 career rebounds.
Even More Numbers for J-Azz
Senior Josh Asselin hit the century mark for the third time this season as he played in his 100th consecutive game for the Maize and Blue. He also collected his 100th career game and 100th career block at Duke (Dec. 9) to become the 40th Wolverines to play at least 100 career games. He is currently tied at the 102-career-game mark with former teammate Peter Vignier (1997-2000), Jalen Rose (1992-94) and Terry Mills (1988-90). Glen Rice (1986-89) and Loy Vaught (1987-90) hold the U-M all-time mark with 134 career games in the Maize and Blue. Asselin has missed only one game in his career, during his freshman year due to illness against Towson (Nov. 24, 1997).
Asselin Collects Eighth Career Double-Double
Senior Josh Asselin collected his eighth career double-double with his 12 points and 11 rebounds against Wake Forest (Nov. 28) in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. His last double-double was against Iowa (Jan. 22, 2000) with 22 points and 11 rebounds. His 11 rebounds also gave him his 10th career game with double-digit rebounds.
Asselin's Career Double-Dips
| Date | Opponent | Points | Rebs. |
| Jan. 5, 1999 | Indiana | 16 | 10 |
| Jan. 16, 1999 | Ohio State | 22* | 10 |
| Jan. 28, 1999 | Illinois | 12 | 10 |
| Mar. 4, 1999 | vs. Purdue | 19 | 10 |
| Nov. 19, 1999 | Oakland | 10 | 10 |
| Jan. 16, 2000 | Illinois | 13 | 10 |
| Jan. 22, 2000 | at Iowa | 22* | 11 |
| Nov. 28, 2000 | Wake Forest | 12 | 11 |
* career highs |
Continuing with the Marathon
Senior Josh Asselin has played in 101 consecutive games for the Wolverines and has played in 102 total career games, missing only one game due to illness during his freshman season at Towson (Nov. 24, 1997). Juniors Chris Young and Leon Jones have played in every game in their Michigan careers, a stretch of 69 consecutive games.
Young Continues Strong Play
Chris Young has continued with his breakout junior season. He has started all eight games this season and is averaging 9.8 points and 6.0 rebounds a game. In addition to nearly doubling his career averages, Young is shooting a Big Ten-leading 69.0 percent from the field as he is 29-of-42 on the season. The 2000-01 season has been full of highlights as he recorded his first career double-double against Western Michigan (Nov. 21) with a 14-point, 13-rebound performance and then his second against Wake Forest (Nov. 28) with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Young's 13 boards in both games destroyed his career best of nine recorded at Northwestern (Feb. 26, 2000). In addition to the rebounds, Young set new career bests against Wake Forest in minutes, logging 33 against the Demon Deacons.
Young Adds Second Double-Dip
Junior Chris Young collected his second career double-dip in four games with his 10 points and a career-high-tying 13 rebounds against Wake Forest (Nov. 28) in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Young had his first collegiate double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds in the win against Western Michigan (Nov. 21).
Young's Career Double-Dips
| Date | Opponent | Points | Rebs. |
| Nov. 21, 2000 | Western Michigan | 14 | 13* |
| Nov. 28, 2000 | Wake Forest | 10 | 13* |
* career highs |
Jones Turns Up Defense
Leon Jones continues to be one of the Wolverines' top defensive players as he tied a career high with four steals against Morris Brown (Dec. 23). He did last season against Duke (Dec. 11, 1999). Jones has come off the bench all season, averaging 17.3 minutes a game. For the season, he is averaging 2.1 points and 1.6 rebounds.
Groninger Returns after Knee Bruise
Sophomore Gavin Groninger ended his 36 consecutive game streak with the Wolverines when he missed the Bowling Green game (Dec. 13) due to a sore knee after suffering an injury in practice. But Groninger rested the knee for 10 days and returned in top form against Morris Brown (Dec. 23), finishing with 16 points and five assists with no turnovers. Groninger hurt the knee in practice after running into teammate LaVell Blanchard and knocking knees. His left knee then swelled and bruised, causing him to rest the knee against the Falcons.
Regaining the Touch
After starting the season 4-of-6 on three-pointers, sophomore Gavin Groninger went into a mini-slump as he hit three of his next 11 shots. But he returned to form, going 3-for-6 against Morris Brown (Dec. 23) to get back on track. In fact, two of his three misses rolled around the rim before unfortunately rolling out. For the season, he leads the team with 45.5 percent shooting from long range.
Groninger Raises Bar
Sophomore Gavin Groninger poured in a career-high 20 points coming off the bench against Western Michigan (Nov. 21). He eclipsed the old mark of 19 he had against Purdue (Feb. 24, 2000). The interesting part was that Groninger had those 20 points in just 13 minutes of action against the Broncos. For the season, Groninger is averaging 7.4 points a game.
Queen Passes Out Career-High Dishes
Freshman Avery Queen destroyed his career best for assists with nine against Duke (Dec. 9). His previous best was six dimes at Oakland (Nov. 17). For the season he is averaging 3.7 freebies a game, leading the team with 33 total. In addition to his averages, he has collected at least two assists in nine straight games.
The Defensive Weapon Ties Career High
Freshman Maurice Searight has proven that his 4.2 speed (40-yard dash) is for real. The Wolverines' defensive "glove" is using his speed and agility to cause havoc and pressure against U-M's opposition guards, as he tied a career high with three steals. He accomplished the same feat against Wagner (Nov. 25). In addition to his defensive pressure, Searight has come off the bench in all nine games this season and been able to penetrate and then dish. He has 26 assists on the season, while averaging 3.7 points and 2.0 rebounds a game.
Moore Ties Career Best against Morris Brown
Freshman Josh Moore continues to shake the rust after missing a year of basketball, but has progressed further and further with each game as he tied a career high against Morris Brown (Dec. 23) with a 10-point night. He tied the 10-point night against Wagner (Nov. 24). In addition to the offensive production, he has five blocks in the past two games, including a career-high three against Morris Brown. For the season, he has started five of nine games and is averaging 6.2 points and 4.6 rebounds a game.
H-G-3 Gets First Career Points
"Soul Patrol" member Herb Gibson scored his first career points as a Wolverine at Duke (Dec. 9). Junior Gibson went 2-for-4 from the free throw line in the final two minutes against the Blue Devils to finally crack the scoring column. He also collected his first career block as well in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Gibson walked on to the team three seasons ago and has been a mainstay every since.
Thrill Gets Career-Best
Freshman and "Soul Patrol" member Colin Dill collected a career-high four points in the final two minutes against Morris Brown (Dec. 23). His previous best was two points against Wagner (Nov. 25) and Western Michigan (Nov. 21). For the season, he has played in four games and a total of six minutes but is 4-of-6 from the field and has two rebounds.
Roe Records Multiple Firsts
After not playing in a single game last season, "Soul Patrol" member Rotolu Adebiyi has played in four games during the 2000-01 season. He made his collegiate debut against Western Michigan (Nov. 21) playing in the final minute. Since then, he played in the final minute against Wagner (Nov. 25), collecting his first rebound, and then the final two minutes at Duke (Dec. 9), where he collected his first career block and steal against the Blue Devils. Against Morris Brown (Dec. 23), he played in the final two minutes, collecting his first points, going 1-for-3 from the field.
Gotfredson Makes Division I Debut ... as a Starter
Senior Mike Gotfredson received the biggest news of his basketball career as he was told he would play in the regular-season opener at Oakland (Nov. 17) ... as the starting point guard. The game also marked the first in his Michigan career, as he finished with a rebound and an assist in four minutes of action. Gotfredson sat out all of last season due to NCAA transfer rules after coming to Ann Arbor from Calvin College. Since then, he has played four games and is averaging 0.6 rebounds a game.
Robinson Jr. Named to BB&T Classic All-Tournament Team
Freshman Bernard Robinson Jr. was selected to the BB&&T Classic All-Tournament team after averaging 19.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in Michigan's Classic games against Maryland (Dec. 2) and St. John's (Dec. 3). Robinson Jr. hit for a career-high 20 points and tied a career high with seven rebounds against the Terrapins, and followed that performance with 18 points, three rebounds and three assists against the Red Storm. Joining Robinson Jr. were George Washington's SirValiant Brown (MVP), St. John's Anthony Glover and Maryland's Juan Dixon and Byron Mouton.
The Tall and the Short of It
Freshmen Josh Moore and Avery Queen have already made an impact in the Michigan history books. Moore comes to Ann Arbor one of the tallest players in Michigan history. The 7-2 Moore ties Jon Antonides (1981, '83-84) as the tallest player in history. Conversely, Queen comes to Ann Arbor as the shortest player ever. His 5-7 frame beat out 5-8 Dave Hart (1971-72) for the honor.
A Taste of the Big Time
The Wolverines traveled to Washington, D.C., using the Detroit Pistons' travel jet, Roundball One. The Wolverines got a taste of the NBA life flying in first class to the nation's capitol. The Wolverines chartered the Pistons' plane for the trip and will use it for the rest of the season, with the exception of the Purdue game (Jan. 3).
Contact: Tom Wywrot (734) 763-4423
