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INDIANAPOLIS — Michigan coach Joan Howard described his return to the staff this week as an “emotional journey” after his first sport again on the sidelines Thursday after a five-game ban.
However his return to coaching lasted for a shorter interval than he anticipated.
The Wolverines led by 17 factors with lower than 13 minutes of play earlier than Indiana bounced again to say a 74-69 victory within the opening spherical of the Large Ten on Thursday.
“Within the first half we got here out with plenty of vitality and received our coach again,” mentioned Michigan goalkeeper Devante Jones, who led the staff with 18 factors after the sport. “I am indignant we did not get a W for him.”
Indiana outperformed Michigan 31-9 throughout the ultimate 12:52 minutes of the sport and minimize a nine-game shedding streak towards its convention opponent. A comeback of 17 factors is the second largest in Large Ten historical past.
Howard resumed his function as coach on Monday, assembly the gamers individually first earlier than main his staff into coaching on Tuesday. He apologized throughout an emotional Wednesday press convention in Ann Arbor for hitting the Wisconsin coach’s head throughout a sizzling handshake streak final month, which led to his suspension.
Howard took over on the sidelines for the primary time since February 20, when he misplaced to Wisconsin, hitting assistant Joe Krabenhoft’s header after a heated trade within the post-game handshake line. Howard mentioned after the match that he felt like defending himself, but in addition apologized for his conduct within the post-match press convention. Howard mentioned he’s in search of remedy in a transfer agreed upon with the college.
“Did you sleep final night time? No,” Howard mentioned after Thursday’s sport. “However I like instructing, I like coaching, I like being right here, I miss being with my buddies… However for now, we roll up our sleeves, keep related to the competitors and proceed to develop as a coach and in addition as an individual.”
Howard’s regret might not have reached followers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which housed a big group of Hoosiers followers, who booed Howard from the opening introductions and every time his title and face appeared on the video board.
Wolverines have been animated as they emerged from the locker room, screaming and yelling within the hallway earlier than taking to the sector earlier than the opening bell. A Gainbridge Fieldhouse safety guard famous that it was the loudest sound any staff had ever heard within the locker room earlier than the sport.
“We have been simply glad to have our captain again,” mentioned Hunter Dickinson of Michigan.
Michigan was within the NCAA Championship bubble previous to this sport and is now ending season 17-14, together with a loss on Thursday, with a mark of 11-10 within the Large Ten, because the staff awaits to listen to its destiny on Sunday.
“I will wait on Sunday with my gamers and see the place the chips find yourself,” Howard mentioned. “However on the finish of the day, , no matter you determine, I am nonetheless pleased with the best way this staff, the coaches, and the Michigan household have been collectively.
“And talking of household, we do not use that phrase loosely. However our household has been challenged all year long, and I like how we have been in a position to keep up a correspondence throughout these occasions.”
