ANN ARBOR — Here’s a specific (but typical) possession from Michigan’s win over Xavier on Wednesday: The Musketeers bring the ball up at a moderate pace, crossing half court with 25 seconds left on the shot clock. They run some action to get the ball to point guard Trey Green, but L.J. Cason denies him the ball. By the time Green gets it, five extra seconds have been wasted.
There’s nine seconds left on the shot clock before Xavier can begin a secondary action, a high ball screen that doesn’t lead to anything because Sam Walters moves his feet well and stays in front of the potential penetrator. A different Xavier ball handler tries to attack Roddy Gayle Jr., but Gayle also stays in front without fouling, eventually forcing a contested, midrange, fadeaway jumper as the shot clock expires.
