(ANN ARBOR) – Juwan Howard felt plenty of support at his first game as Michigan's coach. Jalen Rose was at Crisler Center and received a nice ovation when he was introduced on the video board. Howard's debut on the Michigan sideline was a success Tuesday night. Jon Teske had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and the Wolverines held off Appalachian State 79-71. LINKC. It wasn't always pretty for Michigan, which nearly blew a 30 point lead in the second half, but Howard's team persevered in its first game since he replaced John Beilein this past offseason. Howard returned to the school he helped reach two Final Fours as a player, taking over as coach after Beilein left for the NBA. Eli Brooks Brooks led the Wolverines with 24 points, and Isaiah Livers added 14. Michigan led 46-25 at halftime. Justin Forrest scored 27 points for the Mountaineers, but he was their only player in double figures. Michigan turned the ball over 17 times, which is cause for concern, and the game obviously ended up being closer than it needed to be.