Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for the Wolverines against Penn State

Michigan will control the paint on both ends of the floor

One of the biggest advantages Michigan basketball has in this matchup is its size inside and its athleticism and both of those things will be key factors.

When it comes to Penn State, the Nittany Lions don’t have any player on their roster taller than 6-foot-9 and most of the guards are 6-foot-4 and under. Against Michigan, that will present some problems.

Charles Matthews and Ignas Brazdeikis are both strong and built like forwards but can attack like guards, especially Matthews. Keeping them out of the paint, along with Jordan Poole and Zavier Simpson seems like a monumental task. Jon Teske is also going to make life a living hell when Penn State has the ball. It’s hard to prepare for the 7-foot-1 center and he will make a big impact down low again.

Michigan’s ability to penetrate should get it to the free throw line and some open 3-pointers too. Penn State allows a lot of 3-point shots but has held teams to 32 percent. Yet, Michigan shoots 37 percent and if it gets open looks off drives and kicks or off screens, the Wolverines should have a field day in the paint and beyond the arc.