But Villanova, which beat Michigan for the national championship last season, learned Wednesday that the Wolverines appear to have taken their defense, toughness, and physical play to another level this year.
Zavier Simpson and Charles Matthews set the tone in Michigan's first road game -- in a packed house against the No.
Beilein mentioned center Jon Teske as well, and Michigan only extended its early lead when Isaiah Livers entered as U-M went small.
Beilein loved the second possession of the game, when Villanova isolated Paschall against Brazdeikis and the freshman drew an offensive foul.
"I feel like every time I step on the court I'm the strongest player, so guarding him I felt it was a good matchup for me," Brazdeikis said.
"They played very physical, very aggressive, and very locked-in to the scouting report," Villanova head coach Jay Wright said of Michigan's defense.
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