Michigan Basketball: 5 predictions for Wolverines against North Carolina

Michigan hasn’t allowed more than 61 points but that will change

One of the interesting parts of this matchup is going to be the Michigan defense squaring off against the North Carolina offense.

Statistically, in their respective areas, Michigan and North Carolina are as good as it gets. In terms of raw points, North Carolina is fifth in the nation with an average of 95.5 PPG. The Tar Heels also have the fourth-best offense according to Kenpom, while Michigan basketball has the No. 1 adjusted defense.

Michigan also gives up the fewest points per game in the country at just 48.6 and in terms of points per 100 possessions, the Wolverines are second only to Nebraska.

Saying North Carolina will score more than 61 points doesn’t necessarily mean the Wolverines will defend poorly, however, holding the Tar Heels to around 60 points will be extremely difficult. Luke Maye is a talented scorer and he poured in 27 points against the Wolverines last year. Coby White and Cameron Johnson will also pose problems.

Yes, North Carolina will score more than 61 and more than any other team has against Michigan, but if the Wolverines can limit them to around 70, they should still have a good shot to win.