Improvement in these key areas will determine Michigan's March

ANN ARBOR -- It's been a while since a Michigan basketball player could be asked, this late in the season, where the team could improve and he could answer, with a straight face, "offense."

This season, it's the truth. Michigan's defense is ranked 19th in KenPom.com's adjusted efficiency ratings. The offense is at 46. Senior guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman said the Wolverines can move the ball better and, when they get open shots, knock them down at a higher rate.

Michigan has struggled with the truly uncontested shot known as the free throw. Zavier Simpson, a 49 percent foul shooter this season, debuted a new pre-shot routine Sunday against Ohio State. He still spun the ball in his hands…