Michigan Basketball: 5 reasons Wolverines will beat Texas Tech

Michigan basketball will take on Texas Tech Thursday in the Sweet 16 Thursday and here are five reasons why the Wolverines will advance to the Elite 8.

There is something special about making it to the second week of the NCAA tournament and for the third straight season, Michigan basketball will get to experience that.

Getting past the third round though isn’t so easy and if Michigan basketball is going to do that, it will need to knock off a very dangerous Texas Tech team.

Like the Wolverines, the Red Raiders thrive because of their defense which ranks first in the country in defensive efficiency, just ahead of Michigan which ranks second. Tech suffocates its opponents with length and athleticism and has arguably the best defense in the country.

No matter what rankings are used, Michigan and Texas Tech are two of the top teams left in the tournament. Neither is a Cinderella. They both deserve to be here and people shouldn’t be shocked if either is able to advance to the Final Four.

According to Kenpom, Michigan ranks 5th overall heading into this matchup compared to No. 8 for Texas Tech. Both teams defend at a high level, have solid offenses and some great individual talents, along with experienced coaches.

The Wolverines were in the final game last season, while the Red Raiders made the Final 8. Both teams lost to Villanova and now their shot at redemption means going through each other. In a very even matchup, here are five reasons Michigan will win.