Despite adding "15-20 new plays" to fight the Syracuse zone, according to the CBS broadcast, Michigan is struggling against the zone in the early going, hitting a couple outside shots but failing to penetrate whatsoever.
Tim Hardaway Jr. showed a flash of what the Michigan offense needs to do, beating the defense down the floor and dishing to Mitch McGary for the easy dunk. However, the transition opportunities are few and far between.
Caris LeVert also came off the bench to bury an unexpected three -- contributions that Michigan really need to get throughout the game.
For Syracuse, Brandon Triche hit an early layup and-1 and then penetrated with a pretty dish to Jerami Grant. Meanwhile, C.J. Fair continues to be Mr. Reliable, scoring 9 points on 4-5 shooting.
The score is tied 14-14 with under 11 minutes to go.