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Michigan Basketball Looks for Resume-Building Win over Virginia Tech

By Chris Peterson

Nov 26, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) moves the ball defended by Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers guard Elijah Long (55) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Derrick Walton Jr. (10) moves the ball defended by Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers guard Elijah Long (55) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Michigan basketball team wasn’t great the last time it was on the floor against a good team. But, it has the chance to rebound and score a solid non-conference win Wednesday night.

When it comes to making the NCAA tournament in march, winning non-conference games is important. That’s why tonight’s game is essential for Michigan basketball, which is looking to add a resume-building win over Virginia Tech.

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The matchup between Michigan basketball and the Hokies will take place in Crisler Arena tonight and gives the Wolverines a great chance to get a win in the Big Ten-ACC challenge.

It will also give Michigan a chance to rebound from last week’s embarrassing performance at South Carolina. The Wolverines did beat Mount St. Mary’s Saturday, but in the non-conference schedule, only a few games matter and this is one of them.

According to the KenPom rankings, Michigan is ranked 25th entering tonight’s game, while the Hokies are 36th.

Virginia Tech is a solid team all around. They rank 18th in offensive efficiency according to KenPom and 62nd on defense. They also shoot the ball at a high percentage and rank in the top 15 nationally in turnovers, so they know how to take care of the ball.

Virginia Tech is an interesting team because their top scorer, Zach LeDay, who averages 16.3 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game, doesn’t even start. Ahmed Hill is another threat for the Hokies, he scores more than 14 a game and shoots 47 percent from 3-point range.

Justin Robinson and Seth Allen both score in double figures for the Hokies and are both capable shooters from deep.

With a versatile group of scorers, the Hokies will a great test for the defense of Michigan basketball, which ranks 31st.

Michigan doesn’t have anyone scoring as well as the Hokies, as Derrick Walton leads the Wolverines with 13.8 PPG. Zak Irvin isn’t far behind (12.8) and Mark Donnal is also averaging more than 10.

Yet, the Wolverines have a number of other scoring options such as Muhammad-Ali Abdur Rahkman, Moritz Wagner, Duncan Robinson and D.J. Wilson.

All those players have made big impacts at one time or another this season and that depth could be key to beating Virginia Tech.

The offense, which averages 69 points per game, actually ranks 269th in division one. The defense, on the other hand, ranks seventh (57.7). According to KenPom, the offense is No. 24 in terms of efficiency.

Either way, it’s a critical early-season test for the Wolverines. With Texas and UCLA looming, Michigan basketball needs another good win or two before Big-Ten play begins.

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And tonight’s game against the Hokies offers the perfect opportunity for the Wolverines to do exactly that.

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