Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Maryland

If UM avoids fouls, turnovers, and shoots even ok, it will win

Maryland may be ranked as the No. 24 team in the AP poll, but the Terps, like most Big Ten teams are much better than that. According to Kenpom, Maryland is the 15th best team in the country, with the 21st-most efficient offense and the 16th-best defense in the same metric.

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan, on the other hand, is second defensively and third in the nation in points allowed. The biggest concern for the Wolverines has been a slumping offense. They scored just 27 points in the first half Tuesday and are averaging just 68 overall per game, which is 240th in the nation.

For Michigan, the formula against Maryland will be simple. The Wolverines need to contain Fernando and Anthony Cowan, the Terps leading scorer and a big key in doing that will be keeping Teske, Charles Matthews, Iggy and Jordan Poole out of foul trouble. UM doesn’t have the depth to withstand guys sitting on the bench for long periods of time, especially Teske, Iggy and guys in the frontcourt.

In addition to its veterans, Maryland also has three dynamic freshmen in Jalen Smith who has been dominant recently and was a force against Purdue. Aaron Wiggins and Eric Ayala, who combined for 26 points in the same game — all three finished with a total of 42.

Maryland is one of the worst teams in the country at forcing turnovers (346th), which should play right into the hands of the Wolverines. From there, if Michigan can have a solid shooting day from deep, with Poole, Iggy or Isaiah Livers hitting, UM should win.

Prediction: Michigan 67, Maryland 60