Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions and how to watch vs Air Force

Michigan will take advantage of its size inside

When you look at the roster of Air Force, the first thing that you will notice is the Falcons don’t have much height. The Falcons have played a lot of different players this season, but most of their regulars are 6-foot-6 and under.

Air Force does have a sophomore that is 6-foot-8 and another that is 6-foot-7 but only the Keaton Van Soelen (6-7, 190), who has started eight games and played in all 10, plays a significant role. Ryan Swan-Ford (12.5, 5.6) and Lavelle Scottie (11.5, 5.7) lead the Falcons in both scoring and rebounding and they are each listed at 6-foot-6, which could be problematic against Michigan’s frontcourt that features Jon Teske (7-foot-2) and Ignas Brazdeikis, who is 6-foot-7.

Charles Matthews, who is officially listed as a guard, is also 6-foot-6 and he will have a major advantage against whoever guards him. Expect Michigan basketball to look for him in the post early. He’s dangerous with his back to the basket, both as a scorer and facilitator. I just have a feeling John Beilein runs the offense through him early to get a spark.

And with the way the Falcons defend, ranking outside the top 200 in field-goal percentage on 2-pointers and 2-pointers attempted against them, don’t be surprised if Iggy, Jordan Poole and Zavier Simpson attack early and often.