Juwan Howard on how Michigan is attacking double teams against Hunter Dickinson

Michigan coach Juwan Howard knew that Hunter Dickinson would be high on Villanova’s scouting report. So far in the first half of a Sweet Sixteen matchup against the Wildcats, the Wolverines have still found a way to get their big man involved.

Dickinson has scored eight points on 4-fot-7 shooting thus far in addition to pulling in four rebounds. Even when he hasn’t scored, Dickinson has gotten his teammates involved with a pair of assists. Howard spoke with CBS Sports reporter Allie LaForce on the sidelines to discuss how Michigan is keeping Dickinson involved despite the defensive pressure.

“We have to be patient and get that ball on time and on target,” Howard said. “They’re missing him when he’s posting up and open and they’re looking away.”

Dickinson picked up his second foul of the half with a little more than three minutes remaining, and he was called to the bench as a result. Michigan entered halftime against Villanova trailing by a score of 31-28. Wolverines guard DeVante’ Jones, who missed the first round NCAA Tournament game and played only 11 minutes in the second round due to injury, also has seven points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting.

Michigan shot 44.4% from the field in the first half in addition to 42.9% from 3-point range. On the flip side, they held the Wildcats to just 37.9% from the field and 31.3% from deep. The trio of Jermaine Samuels, Justin Moore and Collin Gillespie combined for 30 first-half points for Villanova.

The winner from this matchup will advance to the Elite Eight, where they will take on the winner between Houston and Arizona, who play later this evening. Juwan Howard will hope Hunter Dickinson can stay out of foul trouble in the second half as the Wolverines look to continue their run through March Madness.