No. 20 Michigan Wolverines 63, Arkansas Pine-Bluff 50

ANN ARBOR, Michigan -- Given the time of year, a decisive win against a lowly opponent should be a normal course for No. 20 Michigan.

After a challenging nonconference schedule the past three weeks, that's why coach John Beilein scheduled a game against lowly Arkansas Pine Bluff, to give his starters a breather and his bench a chance.

Unfortunately his team has struggled to put away some smaller-school opponents and, though the Wolverines finished off the Golden Lions, 63-50, on Tuesday night at Crisler Arena, no one was thrilled with the way they got to the finish line after holding a 25-point lead with 13 minutes remaining.

Beilein talked to the team, stressing the missed opportunity to get some of their bench players minutes, and co-captain Zack Novak made his case as well.

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