Michigan Basketball: Arizona at Michigan — Preview
Posted at 7:30am — 12/14/2013
Michigan Basketball: Arizona at Michigan — Preview
Arizona is Coming To Town
Michigan Gives It A Go Against Number One Wildcats
Well it sure is not good old Santa Claus, but a win over a number one team would be a great Christmas present. Sean Miller, one of the numerous Xavier coaches that fall off the tree for much more money, will lead the Wildcats back to the Midwest.
Dec 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) moves to the basket against Houston Baptist Huskies guard/forward Caleb Crayton (34) in the first half at Crisler Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsIn a column not long ago, GBMWolverine explained that the then not quite so highly rated Wildcats would be large and athletic. And as such would be quite a test for Michigan, more so than Duke. This time the big game is at home.
Arizona made a run to the Sweet 16 last year and lost a very tough game to Ohio State. But the play in the NCAA Tournament demonstrated what was to come this year.
Seven Wildcats score at a clip from about seven to sixteen points per game. The rebounding for Arizona averages over 42 per game, and that spells trouble for a team like Michigan that is somewhat rebounding challenged (minus McGary). The three-point shooting is right at the 38% marker that spells trouble for a defense.
Dec 7, 2013; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Aaron Gordon (11), guard Nick Johnson (13), guard T.J. McConnell (4), and forward Brandon Ashley (21) walk on the court during the second half against the UNLV Rebels at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 63-58. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY SportsNick Johnson, a big and talented guard leads the way. But inside the duo of big forwards, Brandon Ashley and talented freshman Aaron Gordon, will present significant problems for Michigan’s defense. Added to that duo is seven footer Kaleb Tarczewski. Another freshman, six-seven forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is near double figures.
Michigan shoots well at home. However, the deciding factor will probably be how well the Wolverines show a defense that challenges. If the ball is allowed to get inside easily and the perimeter shooters are given space, Arizona will probably prevail by double figures. If Michigan toughens up, does not give up tons of offensive rebounds, keeps McGary out of foul trouble, and hits the normal shots off of the offense, then the upset can happen.
Ticket prices, which were twenty dollars last week, vaulted to 60 dollars this week with the new Dave Brandon market price policy.
Come to the message board and give us your thoughts, agree or disagree.
Just a reminder you must be a member to participate on the Message Board. Here is the link for the registration page for those people interested in becoming a GBMWolverine member of our message board. GBMWolverine Register.
Please comment on our GBMWolverine Message Board about this article and read what others comment. Make note that our message board has changed so make sure you change your favorite/bookmark as well for the direct link.
You can contact us at our e-mail address: GBMWolverine
Follow us on Twitter:
@ErocWolverine
@GBMWolverine
@Mike Fitzpatrick
@YostMeister
Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
Go Blue — Wear Maize!