Michigan basketball will find out a lot about itself this week, as the Wolverines play two top-five teams. The first of those games is Tuesday against Purdue.
So far, the 2017-18 season has went pretty well for Michigan basketball. The Wolverines are 14-3 overall, 3-1 in the Big Ten and on the cusp of being ranked the AP poll.
Michigan is also in solid position when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. In last week’s main bracketology projections, UM was a nine and 10 seed. And that was before the win over Illinois Saturday.
Some Wolverines fans believe that Michigan should be ranked. UM does have wins over Texas and UCLA, but it still doesn’t have an overly impressive win. However, that could change Tuesday as Michigan basketball hosts Purdue in a marquee Big-Ten showdown.
While the Wolverines weren’t dominant against Illinois, the best thing to come out of that game was the resurgent play of Moe Wagner. He hadn’t been quite the same since injuring his ankle against Texas but against the Illini, Wagner missed just one shot, scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. He also blocked three shots.
That’s big because that’s how Wagner will need to play if Michigan is going to upset Purdue. Without a big game from their best player, the Wolverines won’t have a great chance.
Game Info:
Game 18: Michigan vs Purdue
When: 9:00 PM EST
Where: Crisler Arena
TV: ESPN
Streaming: WatchESPN
Radio: WWJ (950 AM) in Detroit
Scouting Report:
In Purdue, Michigan basketball will be faced with one of the most balanced teams in college hoops. The Boilermakers are 17th in points scored (86.1) and 21st in points allowed (63.3). They are also a veteran team with three seniors Isaac Haas (14.7 PPG), Vince Edwards (14.1 PPG) and Dakotha Mathias (13.3 PPG), who all score in double figures.
Carsen Edwards, a 6-1 sophomore, is the team’s leading scorer at 16.8 PPG. He also averages 2.7 assists and makes two 3-point shots per game.
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The Boilers as a team are deadly from beyond the line, knocking down 40 percent of their shots from deep, ranking 17th in the NCAA.
On the defensive end, Purdue, in large part because of Haas, who stands 7-2, ranks seventh in opponent shooting percentage. Teams are making just 37 percent of their shots against the Boilers and shoot just 40 percent on 2-point shots, which is fifth-best in the nation.
Purdue certainly isn’t unbeatable and the fact that game is at Crisler Arena will help. Michigan hasn’t lost at home all season, while Purdue’s two losses have been at neutral sites to Western Kentucky and Tennessee. The biggest wins have come over Marquette, Louisville, Northwestern, Maryland and Nebraska.
Generally, Michigan is known as one of the best offensive teams in the country, but this season, it’s been the defense that has carried the day. The Wolverines are allowing just 61.6 PPG, 11th in the nation and just 65.6 in conference play, which ranks third.
Michigan is 31st or better in the country in 3-pointers made, assists and turnovers. They are also 56th in steals. And per usual, UM fouls at a very low rate, ranking among the top 20 teams in the country in fewest fouls.
This will be the first meeting between Michigan and Purdue since the Big Ten Quarterfinals last season, when the Wolverines pulled the 74-70 upset in overtime.
Predictions
One thing about Michigan, is that it’s tough to beat at home, especially against good teams. The Wolverines have a tendency to play down to people, yet they also tend to play up against elite teams.
Last season, Michigan beat Wisconsin and Purdue at home. In fact, they have two straight wins over a ranked Purdue team in Ann Arbor, also beating the Boilers in 2016. UM also beat No. 3 Maryland at home that season, so they are due for a home win over a ranked opponent.
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If Michigan wants to win, Wagner has to be outstanding. I believe he will be. Charles Matthews will come to play and help the Wolverines prove to the entire country they are for real. It’s close, but UM finds a way. Score: Michigan 70, Purdue 68.