INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — According to Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon, the tension between his team and Maryland was pre-existing. Following Michigan’s wins in the regular season, Turgeon complained to the Big Ten conference office and the commissioner. What he complained about was not clear, but whatever it was escalated on Friday in the Big Ten Quarterfinals.
During a timeout, Michigan head coach Juwan Howard and Turgeon got in a heated exchange. The teams exchanged words, with Howard having to be held back by his assistant coaches. The exchange led to double-technical fouls, with Howard being ejected for his response. Coach Howard spoke on the incident after the game.
“(Turgeon) saw that I was out of the box. He is telling the referee look at my feet; I am out of the box. An I am like, ‘come on, man, this is what we are doing today? You are worrying about my feet being out of the box?” said Howard, “and so he said to me, ‘Juwan, I am not going to let you talk to me. You don’t talk to me ever again.’ And he charged at me,” said Howard.
According to Howard, he went into “defense mode” and lost track of the situation. He said he apologized to his team in the locker room after the game.
“I am always going to take ownership when I am wrong and admit when I am wrong, and that’s not the right way to handle that situation,” said Howard.
Mike Smith’s record-setting performance
Fortunately, Michigan has a legendary coach in Phil Martelli on their sideline. He took over for the final stretch of the 2nd half following Howard’s ejection; he guided them to a 79-66 win to reach the Big Ten Semifinals.
On offense, the game was historic for point guard Mike Smith. He had 18 points and a career-high 15 assists; that sets the record for assists in a single Big Ten Tournament game. This marks just the second time the Columbia-transfer has logged 10+ assists in a game in his career.
Being an Ivy League transfer, this is the first time Smith has been in an environment quite like this. The size and the atmosphere of Lucas Oil Stadium did not seem to bother the veteran. He talked after the game about how he and his team are taking in the whole experience.
“I just wanted to take it in. I walked into the stadium, and you know it’s a blessing to be able to play in this arena, in Lucas Oil, and have fans out there,” said Smith.
On defense, Michigan used more zone coverage than ever before. Strategically, the goal was to limit the Maryland small-ball lineups and help center Hunter Dickinson with his matchup. Coach Howard talked about the zone defense after the game.
“We noticed the small ball they were playing against Michigan State where they have (Donta) Scott at the 5, and I didn’t want Hunter chasing around Scott, who is a great shooter,” said Howard.
Up Next
Michigan vs. Ohio State, Saturday, March 13, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
