5 takeaways: Michigan basketball blows out Toledo

Breaking down the good and the bad from the Michigan Wolverines impressive victory over the Toledo Rockets.

Supposed to play NC State on Wednesday as part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, with the Wolfpack having COVID-19 issues, the maize and blue scrambled to find a replacement opponent. The Toledo Rockets answered the call, but perhaps, they regret that decision now that the game is in the books.

Toledo had kept all of its games close this year, despite the 3-2 record, but the Wolverines weren’t about to let that happen this time around.

Michigan basketball went ahead and made sure this one wasn’t ever in doubt early, getting out to a commanding lead over the short-scheduled Rockets, as high as 21 points in the first half. Behind efficient shooting and solid defense, the maize and blue took a 44-26 lead into the locker room at halftime — but could it hold on?

Toledo cut the deficit to 11, but the Wolverines pulled away immediately after, and ultimately won the game, 91-71.

Here are our five takeaways from the game.