Michigan Basketball: 3 keys to beating Purdue

Michigan needs to stay close to Purdue in 3-pointers made

While this Michigan basketball team is spectacular, it is a little different. The biggest change from past seasons is the fact that the Wolverines don’t shoot the ball as well from beyond the arc.

When it comes to 3-pointers made, 3-pointers attempted and 3-point shooting percentage, Michigan ranks 155th or lower in all three categories. The Boilers, on the other hand, rank 58th or better in all three, including ninth in the country in made 3-pointers.

Both teams have played seven games and in those contests, Michigan has made 54 triples compared to 84 for Purdue. The Wolverines have also hit double-digit shots from beyond the arc in just two games; Purdue has in six games.

Michigan has shown it doesn’t have to win at the 3-point line to win the game, yet getting outscored by 12-15 points from beyond the arc is one way to let Purdue hang around and steal the game. And if Jordan Poole can get hot like he did the other night, it’s hard to see Purdue having much chance to win this one.