Michigan Basketball: How to watch, keys and storylines against Iowa

Michigan basketball is getting set to take on Iowa tonight in the Big Ten quarterfinals. Here’s how to watch and everything you need to know.

After taking nearly a week off following last week’s loss to Michigan State, Michigan basketball will be back on the floor tonight to take on Iowa in the Big Ten quarterfinals.

If it feels a little like deja vu that is because Michigan basketball also faced Iowa in its opening game of the Big Ten tournament last season at Madison Square Garden and nearly fell, escaping with an overtime win over the Hawkeyes.

This time around, Michigan might also need to survive. After not playing for almost a week, there will certainly be some rust. There could also be some rust for Charles Matthews, who is expected to suit up tonight after missing the last three games to injury.

If Michigan wants to have a chance at being a No. 2 seed, it needs a win against Iowa and possibly another over Purdue or Minnesota Saturday. Otherwise, the Wolverines look like a three seed. Michigan basketball comes in with a NET ranking of ninth, while Iowa is 43rd.

Before we break the matchup down any further, here is the basic info you need including how to watch:

Game Info:

Game 32: Michigan vs Iowa (Big Ten Tournament)

Time: 7:25 PM EST (Approximately)

Where: Chicago, Illinois (United Center)

TV: Big Ten Network

Steam: BTN2GO

Radio: WWJ (950 AM) in Detroit

Breakdown

Iowa is a fundamentally sound team like Michigan that shoots the ball very well, however, the Hawkeyes weakness is defense. According to the Kenpom rankings, Iowa ranks 120th in defensive efficiency and during Big Ten play, the Hawkeyes allowed over 76 points a game, which was last in the conference.

Iowa also allowed teams to shoot 46 percent from the field, which was 13th, 54.7 percent on 2-point shots which was 14th in the Big Ten and 33 percent on 3-pointers, which ranked 10th among Big Ten teams.

The bottom line is that Iowa isn’t a stout defensive team and Michigan basketball should be able to take advantage of that. Jon Teske and Ignas Brazdeikis need to attack and pound the ball inside. Matthews, Jordan Poole and Zavier Simpson also need to go to the bucket and not settle for jump shots, even though Iowa will likely throw plenty of zone at the Wolverines.

Keys to winning

The keys to winning this game for Michigan basketball are simple. The Wolverines need to shoot a solid percentage from 3-point range because when they make 35 percent or better, they are 15-1 on the season.

Rebounding will be another key factor in the game for both teams. In the first meeting, won by Iowa, 74-59, the Hawkeyes had a major advantage on the boards. Michigan also needs to stay out of foul trouble. Iggy and Teske especially have to stay on the floor to battle Iowa big men Tyler Cook and Luka Garza.

Michigan also needs to hold Iowa in check offensively. In four of the Wolverines five losses this season, teams have scored 70 points or more and if the Hawkeyes can eclipse 70 tonight, UM might be headed home instead of keeping its hope alive for a 3-peat.