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Michigan seeks fifth straight win

Dec 29, 2008 - 7:16 PM North Carolina Central (0-14) at (24) Michigan (9-2), 7:00 pm EST

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (Ticker) -- No. 24 Michigan looks to match its win total from last season on Monday when it hosts winless North Carolina Central.

The once-proud program has enjoyed a quick turnaround in John Beilein's second season in Ann Arbor and has entered the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' poll for the first time since February 6, 2006.

The Wolverines (9-2), who went 10-22 last season, have won four straight - including an 81-73 home win over then-No. 4 Duke on December 6.

Junior forward DeShawn Sims has been the driving force behind the Wolverines' stellar play. Sims, who scored a career-high 28 points vs. Duke, made history in Monday's 76-59 rout of Florida-Gulf Coast.

Sims scored 20 points and grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds, becoming the first Michigan player to accomplish that feat since 1977.

Sims and Michigan should have no problem with the Eagles in their final tune-up before they open Big Ten play on December 31 against Wisconsin.

The Eagles' leading scorer, freshman guard Jamar Briscoe scored a season-high 34 points in a 97-79 loss to Duquesne last Monday. Briscoe is averaging 14.4 points.