Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Villanova

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Michigan’s def is elite and will play like it

When it comes to the two national finalists from a season ago, Michigan basketball isn’t the only team missing guys. Villanova no longer has Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Donte DiVincenzo and we all know what those guys did in the title game, especially DiVincenzo.

The Cats still have plenty of talent and have looked sharp through two games with Phil Booth and Eric Paschall leading the way. Villanova also has two others that score in double figures in Saddig Bey and Collin Gillespie.

Villanova is always a good offensive team and the Wildcats always seem to be able to shoot the ball well, especially from deep. And the matchup between the Nova offense and the Michigan defense just might decide things. According to KenPom, Villanova has the third-best adjusted offense, compared to Michigan’s sixth-ranked adjusted defense.

The Wolverines are going to need to get some things going on the other end of the floor if they want to win, but their defense, which is allowing 40.5 PPG and 30-percent shooting by opponents, will at least give Michigan basketball a chance. Villanova will score in the 60’s but I don’t see them getting much beyond that.

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