Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for the Wolverines against Illinois
Poole, Livers, and Simpson will be key for Michigan
Turnovers are a huge part of winning basketball games and that has long been a key for the Wolverines. Well, against Illinois and Brad Underwood coached teams, taking care of the ball is essential.
In fact, in this matchup, it might be the most important indicator of success. When it comes to limiting offensive turnovers, the Wolverines are as good as any team in the country, as they have just 136 turnovers in 15 games, which ranks third in college hoops.
Some Jordan Poole shooting stats:
— Brent Yarina (@BTNBrentYarina) January 9, 2019
1. 57% of shots are 3-pointers
2. Shooting 53% overall
3. +50% in 10 of 15 games, including last eight (60%)
4. Shooting 63% in @B1GMBBall play pic.twitter.com/12AyKKV6nu
Illinois, on the other hand, has 217, which ranks them 257th. However, the Fighting Illini are also good at forcing turnovers and they ranked 16th in that category with 266. That’s 17 turnovers per game for opponents or nearly twice as many turnovers as Michigan basketball averages coming in which is just over nine.
With Underwood, multiple looks and pressure can be expected. Illinois will challenge the Wolverines guards, but with Poole, Zavier Simpson and Charles Matthews, UM should not only handle the pressure but thrive on it.
There is a reason Illinois ranks 283rd in 2-point shooting percentage defense and as long as Michigan doesn’t fold under the pressure, Simpson, Poole, Matthews and Ignas Brazdeikis, should have no problems scoring in the paint.