Michigan Basketball vs Texas A&M: How to watch, storylines and more
Michigan basketball will face a stiff test against Texas A&M Thursday in the Sweet 16. Here is how to watch and stream, plus all the storylines.
When the bracket for first came out, most people expected Michigan basketball to play North Carolina in the Sweet 16. For a lot of reasons, that would have been an exciting matchup.
The Wolverines and Tar Heels met earlier this season, with North Carolina winning handily. Michigan basketball also lost to North Carolina in 1993 National Title game, the last time the two teams met in the postseason. Yet, a funny thing happened along the way.
For one, Michigan barely made it to Los Angeles. The only reasons the Wolverines are still alive are two missed free throws and a miracle shot by Jordan Poole. UM made it, but after Texas A&M found the form that made it a top-5 team early in the year, it would be the Aggies, not the Tar Heels waiting in the wings.
The third-seeded Wolverines are a slight favorite over the Aggies, but for all intents and purposes, the game is a toss-up. Two very good teams, two good coaches and two rosters filled with talent. It’s everything you could want at this point in the season and here’s what you need to know, including how to watch and stream.
Game Info:
Game 38: Michigan vs Texas A&M
When: 7:37 PM EST
Where: Staples Center (LA)
TV: TBS
Streaming: March Madness App
Radio: WWJ (950 AM) in Detroit
Storylines:
Much is being made about the defense of both teams and that will be a factor. Michigan has been one of the top defensive teams in the country and in Robert Williams, the Aggies have one of the nation’s top shot blockers.
The Aggies also have one of the top field-goal percentage defenses in the nation. That won’t help the Wolverines recent shooting woes. However, Moe Wagner is a different animal. Most teams don’t have to defend a big that can stretch the floor like he can. Others like Isaiah Livers, Charles Matthews and Duncan Robinson can do that as well.
There will be a lot of interesting matchups between the two lineups, but here is a look at three keys for the Wolverines to come out successful. Here is also a breakdown by Chris Gibbons on the West Region as a whole.
Before looking ahead, we also looked back at some of the key factors getting Michigan basketball into the Sweet 16 and also took time with a Texas A&M expert to get the scoop on the Aggies.
After UM struggled to get past Houston and Texas A&M blew the doors off of North Carolina, the Aggies are becoming a trendy pick, to beat Michigan and make the Final Four. Gonzaga is also a favorite, while people seem to be sleeping on the Wolverines.
We will see what happens, but if Michigan can regain its shooting touch against the Aggies, then watch out, because, with the way UM is defending, that could make for a dangerous combination.