Michigan ranks fourth nationally in team field goal percentage (52.4), eleventh in three-point percentage (42.7) and second in points per possession (1.25) this season.

"The number of points we score per possession is leading the Big Ten, and it's a good number," Wolverines coach John Beilein said. "If you score over a point per possession, we're really pleased with that.

"We've got two things happening, we've got low turnovers, and extra possessions from offensive rebounding. ... When you get a few stickbacks, that's a quick percentage booster."

Beilein has enjoyed tinkering with different lineups to create maximum efficiency.

"It's a good problem to have, but figuring it all out (has been tough at times)," Beilein said. "(Depth) gives us the latitude to play three centers if we want, to go big or go small.

"When you only have five or six players, there's not a lot of thinking. ... Now, you can (work with) different rotations and different players."

Tony Mitchell of North Texas entered the 12-13 season with big expectations, but NBA scouts have been disappointed by his play so far.

Mitchell is averaging 15.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game this season.

Michigan is averaging 124.5 points per 100 possessions this season, giving them one of the most efficient offenses in the country.

Only Indiana, Ohio State and Pitt have been more efficient.

The Wolverines are scoring efficiently despite playing at a higher pace, averaging 65 possessions per 40 minutes.

Brandon Ashley has continued to impress in Arizona practices following his 20 points and 10 rebounds on Nov. 19 against Long Beach State.

“Brandon Ashley right now has really established himself as being on the upswing,” Sean Miller said. “You guys see it in games; we see it every day in practice. He led our team in practice points leading up to the (Long Beach State) game and even this past week he’s continued to do a good job.

“He’s played with a lot of confidence. He’s learning how to play with more effort and he’s getting better on both ends of the ball. It’s exciting to see somebody as young as he is improve through his work ethic.”

The Washington Huskies lost 73-55 to Colorado State on Saturday in a game in which they were dominated on the glass.

Colorado State had 24 offensive rebounds, whereas Washington had just 21 total rebounds.

“I’ve never been part of a team here that’s not been tough,” guard C.J. Wilcox said. “We’re just going to have to find it within ourselves to get tougher.”

North Carolina has become more of a three-point shooting team this season following the departure of their entire starting frontcourt.

The Tar Heels are averaging seven more three-pointers per game.

While three-pointers accounted for 19 percent of North Carolina's scoring last season, it is now accounting for 30 percent.

NBA general managers are dubious about the amount of development players at North Carolina receive under the tutelage of Roy Williams.

"Obviously UNC gets a lot of blue chip talent which means they're going to be good no matter what," wrote Chad Ford. "But how many of those players actually develop or get better while they are at UNC? I can name a bunch of players at Kentucky who improve their games with Cal. Much harder to come up with examples among the elite UNC recruits. Not sure how much development they get there."

Shabazz Muhammad had 15 points on 5-for-10 shooting in 25 minutes in his UCLA debut on Monday against Georgetown.

"I can get a lot better," said Muhammad. "I didn't think I played really well tonight."

Muhammad did not appear to be in game shape.

"He's got a lot of work to put in conditioning-wise to catch up," said Ben Howland.

John Calipari praised Nerlens Noel’s defensive energy after a 101-49 win over Lafayette on Friday night, pointing out the 6-foot-10, 228-pound center’s willingness to dive across the floor for loose balls.

"The energy that Nerlens plays with," said Calipari after the game, "think if I could get all my guys to play with that kind of energy, what we would become as a team."

Noel scored 15 points, grabbed seven rebounds, handed out four assists and recorded four steals in 28 minutes of play.

"I've always been a relatively high-energy (guy)," Noel said. "But since I'm at a high level, I think I've just got to bring it every night, that energy. Just always being active for my team, making opportunities for the fast break, get steals on the floor, throwing it out so my teammates can get going."

Noel unofficially leads the Wildcats in floor burns through three games of the season.

"I've always been on the floor," Noel said. "It's the only way you're going to get that ball."

The Arizona Wildcats are significantly taller this season with newcomers Brandon Ashley, Grant Jerrett, Kaleb Tarczewski and Angelo Chol raning from 6'8 to 7'0.

Sean Miller has said he’s developing Ashley as a power forward with the intent of moving him permanently to small forward in the future.

Solomon Hill is a natural small forward, but played a lot of power forward last seaosn.

“It adds a different dynamic to our team,” Hill said. “We’re not going small, we’re always going to be big.”