Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Wisconsin

Michigan somehow escapes with a win

This is a tough game to predict. One the one hand, Michigan basketball has to lose a game eventually and you have to figure there is a better chance it comes on the road.

The Kohl Center also hasn’t always been kind to Michigan. John Beilein has led the Wolverines to more success there recently but it’s a tough place to play, despite the fact that the Badgers have lost two straight.

While Wisconsin isn’t necessarily hot right now, the Badgers will be playing with some urgency. At 11-6, they need a win like this to bolster their resume and keep them among the top few teams in the Big Ten race.

Michigan, on the other hand, comes in ranked No. 2 and with a chance to potentially rise to the top spot with a win. The Badgers are sound on defense but not as good as Michigan basketball, which has locked down the four top-25 opponents it has faced this season, allowing North Carolina, Purdue, Indiana and Villanova to average just 58.2 PPG.

The Wolverines have the edge on defense and their length, plus not needing to double team Happ as much should help limit the Badgers 3-point production. Charles Matthews, Jordan Poole, Ignas Brazdeikis and Simpson are also going to be a lot for the Badgers to handle, especially with the way Teske is shooting the ball. Isaiah Livers is another weapon to watch off the bench,

When it’s all said and done, I expect Wisconsin to challenge Michigan basketball and keep things tight in a relatively low-scoring affair. But, I don’t see the Wolverines undefeated season ending Saturday in the Kohl Center.

Final score: Michigan 63, Wisconsin 58