Michigan Basketball vs Purdue: How to watch, storylines and more
Michigan basketball has just one more game on tap this week, and it’s a big one, Thursday vs Purdue. Here’s how to watch, storylines and more.
Since the huge win over Michigan State, Michigan basketball has been up and down. The Wolverines beat a good Maryland team. But, was blown out by Nebraska and struggled before beating Rutgers.
Because of that inconsistent play and the resounding loss to Nebraska, Michigan basketball dropped from a six seed, all the way to a No. 8 according to ESPN. The CBS bracket, done by Jerry Palm, still has the Wolverines listed as a seven seed, but still they are dropping. UM also fell from 23rd to 25 in the AP and coaches polls this week.
Ultimately, with a 17-5 record, a 6-3 mark in the Big Ten and some solid wins over Texas, UCLA, Michigan State and Maryland, the Wolverines are in a good position to make the NCAA tournament. However, beating Purdue Thursday would help solidify their case.
Beating the Boilermakers would also give Michigan life in the Big Ten race. The Wolverines are currently tied for fourth, three games behind both the Boilermakers and Ohio State.
If Michigan basketball wants to have any chance of winning its third regular-season title under John Beilein, upsetting third-ranked Purdue, on the road Thursday, is a must.
Game Info:
Game 23: Michigan vs Purdue
When: 7:00 PM EST
Where: Mackey Arena
TV: ESPN
Streaming: WatchESPN
Radio: WWJ (950 AM) in Detroit
Preview and Prediction:
According to the KenPom rankings, Purdue is the second-best team in the country. And when you look at the breakdown, you can see why. The Boilers are ranked third in adjusted offense and fourth in adjusted defense. Purdue is the only team in the country that ranks in the top 5 in both categories. Only Villanova and Gonzaga also rank in the top-25 of each category.
For comparison, Michigan is 53rd on offense and No. 20 on defense. The Wolverines are listed at the 27th best team right now according to KenPom.
Michigan Wolverines Basketball
If the two teams play at all like they did in the first matchup, expect a lot of 3-pointers. Purdue connected on 12 treys and shot 57 percent, while Michigan knocked down 10 and shot 45 percent.
Michigan will need one of its finest games defensively, if its going to slow down an offense that features Isaac Haas, Carsen Edwards, Vince Edwards and Dakota Mathias. All four of those guys average at least 12.7 PPG.
One thing that should help Michigan do that, is the addition of Isaiah Livers to the starting lineup. He first started against Michigan State and against a big, strong Purdue squad, he makes sense over Duncan Robinson. Livers can score, defend and rebound and his athleticism will be an asset.
Livers was one of four Wolverines to reach double figures the first time, but he will need another strong game. Moe Wagner also needs to be the best player on the floor. He was against Michigan State and he will need to play that way again if the Wolverines are to pull another road upset.
If Wagner can find a way to produce like he did against the Spartans, Michigan basketball could upset the Boilermakers. If not, the Wolverines don’t have much of a chance, unless someone else, such as Charles Matthews or Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman takes over.
One thing about Michigan, is it seems to play to its competition. It plays down to weaker foes, but seems to get up for the challenge against elite competition. So regardless of the result, I expect a valiant effort from the Wolverines, even if winning in West Lafayette seems like a monumental task.
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In the end, Purdue wins a close one, but Michigan proves again, it can go toe-to-toe with what might be the best team in the entire country.