Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions against Iowa in Big Ten Tourney

Iowa is the perfect opponent to get the offense going

For a while against Michigan State last Saturday, it looked like things were finally clicking for the Wolverines. Michigan basketball was getting buckets from Iggy and Jordan Poole and at one point led the Spartans by 12 before it all came crashing down.

Michigan showed signs of progress though and that progress should continue against Iowa, which was 14th (last) in points allowed during Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes could have a tough time guarding Michigan man-to-man and may use some zone to force UM to make some jump shots.

The Wolverines are 15-1 this season when they shoot 35 percent or better from 3-point range and the first loss came to the Spartans. But Michigan State is a different animal than Iowa, which ranks 10th in 3-point percentage defense among Big Ten teams.

Even Kenpom, which has Michigan sixth overall and Iowa 34th, ranks the Hawkeyes 120th in defensive efficiency. The Wolverines rank 3rd with the 18th-best offense. If Charles Matthews starts and is healthy, it will be even better yet, either way, this is a perfect opportunity for Poole and Brazdeikis to go off and kickstart their tournament.