Michigan basketball comeback Memphis 71-67 Juwan Howard return

Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard returned to the bench but Wolverines lost. Michigan will move on in the elimination bracket.

Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard made his return to the bench at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas, but the Wolverines did not have the same success as their last visit. Howard had been away from his team for most of the season due to heart surgery in mid-September, and Phil Martelli continued to serve as head coach during his absence. Unfortunately, the Wolverines fell to Memphis, 71-67, after winning the tournament title in Howard's first month as head coach back in 2019.

Michigan struggled with turnovers, giving the ball away 18 times, and shooting just 39% from the field. Despite being down by as much as 16, they managed to get within one point with 4:12 to play, but ultimately fell short. Memphis' freshman Ashton Hardaway, the son of head coach Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, led the Tigers with 17 points, including five 3-pointers.

The Wolverines will move on to the elimination bracket and face the loser of Arkansas and Stanford. Michigan's defense struggled early in the game, allowing Memphis to go on a 17-4 run in the first half. They also faced turnover troubles, giving the ball away multiple times in quick succession.

Despite a strong effort to come back in the second half, Michigan could not overcome Memphis' lead. Hardaway's performance, along with contributions from other players, secured the win for the Tigers. Michigan will need to regroup and refocus as they continue to compete in the tournament.