Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Montana

Michigan will win with 3’s and turnovers

If Montana is going to upset the Wolverines, the Griz need to excel in two keys area: 3-pointers and turnovers.

Luckily, those are two strong suits for Montana, which ranks 25th in 3-point shooting percentage and also is 80th in the nation at forcing turnovers. However, Michigan basketball thrives at taking care of the ball and turns it over only 8.8 times per game, which is second fewest in the nation.

Michigan is also extremely good at defending the 3-point line. The Wolverines allowed opponents to make just 28 percent of their shots from deep during the season, which was 5th in the nation, on top of being second overall in points allowed and defensive efficiency.

On the other end of the floor, Michigan is a solid 3-point team in its own right at 35 percent and the main guys to watch there are Ignas Brazdeikis, Jordan Poole and Isaiah Livers.

Michigan doesn’t shoot the 3-ball as well as it did last season, but the Wolverines can still get hot from downtown and with the way they defend the perimeter, they should outscore Montana in that category. If UM does that and wins the turnover battle, it’s hard to see an upset happening.