Michigan Basketball: 3 keys to Wolverines beating Florida State

For the third time in six seasons, Michigan basketball is in the Elite 8. This time, it’s against Florida State and here are three keys to a Wolverines victory.

Offense, defense, free throws, 3-pointers, it all worked for Michigan basketball against Texas A&M Thursday night in the Sweet 16 in Los Angeles. Jordan Poole hit another triple early in the game, so did Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Moe Wagner.

Rahkman and Wagner, arguably Michigan’s two best players, both struggled in the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament. But did they ever rebound against the Aggies.

The two long-time Michigan basketball standouts put together some of their finest basketball. Rahkman poured in 24 points and scored basically at will in the second half. Wagner added 21 points, including 14 in the first half. He was 3-of-3 from 3-point range; Rakhman was 4-of-7.

As a team, the Wolverines were 14-of-23 downtown. So much for the offensive slump that plagued Michigan against Houston and Montana. Five players reached double figures and an NCAA record eight players made at least one 3-pointer.

But, if the Wolverines want to keep playing, they will need to keep firing on all cylinders. Their opponent, Florida State certainly is right now and that’s allowed the Seminoles to knock off Missouri, top-seeded Xavier and Gonzaga on the way to the Elite 8.

Like Michigan, Florida State is a very good offensive team. The Seminoles are averaging 80.9 points per game, which is 35th in the NCAA. However, the Noles also give up 73.3, which is well outside the top 100.

The bottom line is that both teams are on fire right now, but something has to give Saturday. Here’s three things Michigan needs to do to reach the Final Four.