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- Juwan Howard returned from a five-game suspension to lead Michigan in the Big Ten tournament
- The Wolverines lost, putting their NCAA Tournament chances in limbo
- Read more COLLEGE BASKETBALL news here
Juwan Howard returned from a five-game suspension today to resume his duties as Michigan’s head basketball coach.
For those who may have forgotten, Howard was suspended for slapping an opposing assistant coach following a loss to Wisconsin. The smack stemmed from a disagreement in the handshake line, with an altercation arising between both players and coaches on both sides.
Today, though, the slate was wiped clean.
While Howard arrived at the arena to the sound of boos, he was business.
Boo’s for Juwan Howard as he’s announced before tipoff. pic.twitter.com/Lv4HS80qG1
— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) March 10, 2022
With the incident in the rearview mirror, Howard and the Wolverines could turn their focus to the Big Ten tournament. The eighth seeded Michigan team could make a run, improving their position on the NCAA Bubble. And it seemed to be well on its way.
Michigan took a 13-point lead into halftime, and they led by as many as 17 points midway through the second half. That’s when the wheels began to fall off.
The Wolverines scored just four points between the 12:54 and 1:57 marks. Indiana outscored Howard and Co. by 24 points over that 11-minute span.
The result wound up being a crushing 74-69 defeat that now puts Michigan’s postseason status in jeopardy.
Michigan is now just 17-14 on the year, and while many believe they’ll end up on the right side of the bubble, they’re far from a lock to make the Big Dance.
Juwan Howard Being Ripped In Return To The Court
With the huge second half collapse, fans took to social media to rip Juwan Howard in his return to the sidelines. The head coach was embarrassed in his last regular season game and that embarrassment has now carried over to his postseason opener.
— Demar DeRozan Stan (@kyletoofye114) March 10, 2022
Juwan Howard came back from suspension just to help Michigan blow a 17-point lead to Indiana 😂 https://t.co/PjcYYp3Pwx pic.twitter.com/XEznUAzpWQ
— Barstool OSU (@BarstoolOSU) March 10, 2022
Michigan blows a 17-pt 2nd half lead over Indiana in Juwan Howard's 1st game back after suspension, possibly falls off the NCAA Tournament bubble. pic.twitter.com/HIcTBBuBr4
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) March 10, 2022
Michigan's best shot at the NCAA tournament now is committee members letting them so they can continue to milk the Juwan Howard drama. TV ratings, baby!
— Jared Purcell (@JaredPurcellDET) March 10, 2022
Juwan Howard about to coach Michigan into a first round exit of the NIT👀
— B1G CHAMPS Barstool Illini (@BarstoolILL) March 10, 2022
Thanks to Indiana for suspending Juwan Howard and Michigan from the NCAA Tournament
— AreaRED (@AreaRED) March 10, 2022
This loss has to be a slap in the face for Juwan Howard.
— Mike Schumann @ The Daily Hoosier (@daily_hoosier) March 10, 2022
Others are questioning whether the Wolverines should’ve stuck with Phil Martelli, who led the team to a 3-2 finish on the season. Two of those victories came over archrivals Michigan State and Ohio State.
Phil Martelli > Juwan Howard
— Todd Fuhrman (@ToddFuhrman) March 10, 2022
Think Michigan is second-guessing not suspending Juwan Howard for the postseason too?
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 10, 2022
Definitely a tough night for Howard. He and the Wolverines will have to wait until Selection Sunday to find out their postseason fate.