Michigan Basketball: 3 keys to Wolverines beating Texas A&M

Defense will need to keep it rolling

While Michigan basketball didn’t play its best offensively in the first two NCAA games, the defense has been on point. Rob Gray scored 23 points, but he had to take 22 shots to get there. As a team, Houston shot 37 percent from the field. Montana shot 32.

Michigan allowed 55 points per game against Houston and Montana and if it can continue to defend like that, it will have a great chance to move into the Elite 8.

According to Kenpom, Michigan is the 10th best team in the country and ranks third in adjusted defense. Texas A&M is 25th overall and ninth defensively. So both teams know how to get after it.

Zavier Simpson and Charles Matthews have spearheaded that effort. Matthews was also the Wolverines leading scorer in the two games, scoring 32 total points and 20 against the Grizzlies. John Teske has also been critical off the bench and with the size of A&M, he should keep seeing time. He can also help defend the bucket.

Next: Breaking down UM's path to Final Four

People say defense wins championships because its true. It was a key factor in Michigan winning the Big Ten championship and if the Wolverines want to win the West Regional, their defense will need to be as good as it’s been all year.