Michigan Basketball vs Florida State: How to watch, predictions and more
Michigan basketball will take on Florida State Saturday night in the Elite 8. Here’s how to watch, along with a breakdown and some predictions.
For the third time under head coach John Beilein, Michigan basketball is playing in the Elite 8. The first trip went extremely well, as the Wolverines dominated Florida. The next time, UM had its heart broken by Kentucky, who won on a last-second 3-pointer.
This time around, Michigan basketball will play Florida State from the ACC and the two teams will meet in West Regional final. Michigan is the third-seeded team in the region, while the Seminoles are seeded ninth.
Incredibly, the Noles have won three straight games against higher seeds. Michigan has won all of its games against lower seeds, beating 14th-seeded Montana, sixth-seeded Houston and Texas A&M, a seven seed.
A lot of pundits predicted North Carolina and Xavier or Gonzaga in this game. However, Xavier and the Zags were both taken out by Florida State. North Carolina lost to A&M, who was trampled by 27 in the Sweet 16 by Michigan.
The point is that seeding no longer matters. Florida State and Michigan are both playing as well as they have all season. Heck, FSU beats the Zags by 15, UM beat the Aggies by 27. In the Sweet 16, that’s pretty impressive.
Before we break down the game further, he’s some basic info, like how to watch and stream.
Game Info:
Game 39: Michigan vs Florida State
When: 8:47 PM EST
Where: Staples Center (LA)
TV: TBS
Streaming: March Madness App
Radio: WWJ (950 AM) in Detroit
Breakdown:
During the regular season, Michigan had a dominant defense and a pretty good offense. Florida State, on the other hand, had a stellar offense and a solid defense. But in the tournament, both teams are starting to bring it all together.
With the 99-point outing against A&M, Michigan basketball is scoring 74.6 points per game in the NCAA’s. Florida State is scoring 72.3. Michigan is giving up 60 points a game, while FSU is giving up 61. Both teams have also held two of their three opponents under 40 percent shooting from the field.
Michigan Wolverines Basketball
Offensively, it took Michigan a couple games to get going, but it drilled 14 3-pointers Thursday. Of course, that will be hard to repeat, but the Wolverines are averaging nine a game in the tournament and tonight, 10 feels like a magic number.
Hit 10 3-pointers and it’s going to be awfully hard for Florida State to win the game. That’s especially true if Michigan can continue to defend at an elite level.
According to the Kenpom rankings, Michigan has the third-ranked adjusted defense and the 24th adjusted offense. Florida State, which is 27th overall, ranks 33rd on offense and 44th on defense. Michigan also ranks seventh overall. Only Villanova and Duke rank higher among teams still alive in the Elite 8.
Unlike A&M, the Noles don’t have tremendous size, but they are deep and athletic. Florida State is also one of the best rebounding teams in the country. Yet, the Wolverines rank 28th in the NCAA when it comes to defensive rebounds, but that’s another area to watch.
For a broader look at what Michigan needs to do to advance to the Final Four, here are three keys to a Wolverines win, outlined in a post by yours truly Friday. You can also take a look at our breakdown of the West Region, which features some good info on Florida State.
Predictions:
In the NCAA Tournament, it’s always hard to predict what will happen. I do feel confident though, that Michigan won’t have such an easy time against Florida State like it did with A&M. Everything went right in that game for the Wolverines. Don’t expect that tonight.
Florida State is a tough, scrappy team. And thanks to their run and the fact that they play in the ACC, the Seminoles aren’t going to be intimidated by anyone. At the same time, Michigan appears to be the superior team. Better talent and a better coach.
Unless Michigan shoots 60 percent again from the field, this will be more of grind. Expect big games from Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Moe Wagner, Charles Matthews, Duncan Robinson and Zavier Simpson. Those five guys have really carried the team to this point, with help from Jordan Poole, Isaiah Livers, John Teske, Ibi Watson and Jaaron Simmons.
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If that group of veterans can keep it up, especially on the defensive end, Michigan basketball should find a way. It’s going to be close and probably will be a nail-biter, but you just get the feeling, the Wolverines won’t be done today.