Michigan Basketball: 3 keys to Wolverines beating Montana

Simpson has been dominant on defense and he’ll need to keep it up

One of the reasons Michigan basketball has been on such a tremendous run recently is the play of point guard Zavier Simpson. Not only is the sophomore getting it done offensively, but his defense has been absolutely incredible.

For the season he averages 7.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals. His biggest asset though is his dominating on-ball defense. Just ask Cassius Winston. In two games against the highly recruited guard from Michigan State, Simpson outplayed him. He held him to 6-of-17 shooting and just one 3-point field goal, even though Winston is a 3-point specialist.

Now, Simpson just needs to do the same thing to Montana’s Ahmaad Rorie. The transfer from Oregon is the Grizzlies leading scorer and had 13 20-point games this season and just put up 30 in the Big Sky Tournament. Rorie also scored at least 15 points 24 times and made three or more 3-point field goals nine times. He also made at least two shots from deep 19 times.

In other words, Rorie is pretty good. But if Simpson can hold Winston to one 3-pointer, he should be able to limit Rorie. If he can and contain him, maybe hold him under 20 points, then Michigan should have a good chance. If Rorie scores less than 15, a win is probably a done deal.