Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Villanova

Villanova will prove to be too good

This game is going to be a strong test for the Wolverines. They have a roster mixed with experience and talent. Simpson, Poole, Jon Teske, Matthews and Isaiah Livers all played key minutes against Villanova last season.

Michigan Wolverines

Yet, having a chance to beat Villanova means guys like Poole, Brazdeikis, Teske and Simpson need to take on greater roles and be productive in them. Teske has been a big help for the defense and his scoring has been adequate. Livers has also done a decent job off the bench.

But the top four guys on this team are supposed to be Matthews, Iggy, Simpson and Poole and so far, only a couple have really shown up. Simpson averaged 7.6 PPG a season ago and is scoring two points a game this year. He also has zero steals after averaging 1.5.

The bottom line is that if Michigan basketball gets an average of five points from Poole and Simpson, it’s not going as far as a team. Those two need to step up and I think they will, starting against Villanova — it just won’t be enough to win.

Yet, the game will still be a step forward for a team that has stumbled hazily through the first two games of the season. Beilein’s teams get better as the year progresses and even though Villanova will probably win the game, Michigan will have a much better idea of where they are at afterward.

In the end, Michigan will make it competitive. The offense will finally click and the defense will allow the Wolverines to hang around, however, this team just isn’t good enough to beat a top-10 team on the road — yet. Prediction: Villanova 68, Michigan 60.