Michigan Basketball: Breaking down Wolverines path to Sweet 16

Round of 32: Florida

Florida is another team that can’t be overlooked and the biggest reason why is their defense, which ranks 14th according to Kenpom. The Gators also ranked 21st in the country in points allowed after surrendering just 63.6 points per game.

During the season, Florida has battled a tough schedule and even took on Michigan State during the non-conference portion of its schedule and fell to the Spartans 63-59. However, in recent weeks, the Gators scored two wins over LSU and have proven they can play with elite teams.

If Florida can get enough scoring from KeVaughn Allen, Noah Locke and Andrew Nembhard, along with its stellar defense, the Gators could sneak past Nevada and set up a showdown with the Wolverines.

Michigan and Florida haven’t met in hoops since the 2013 tournament when the Wolverines dominated the Gators on their way to the Final Four. But these two programs are completely different and if Florida could force Michigan into a defensive struggle, it could find a way to pull the upset.

Michigan basketball does a lot of great things but its offense can suffer cold streaks and one or two of those against Florida, Nevada or even Montana could be costly. But even so, it’s hard not to think of the Wolverines as the favorite to keep on playing past this weekend.