Michigan Basketball: 3 Predictions for the Wolverines against Illinois

Teske will get the best of Cockburn

The matchup of Teske and Cockburn will be one of the most interesting when Michigan basketball takes on Illinois. It will also be one of the most important.

Illinois is probably on par with the Wolverines when it comes to raw talent, however, the experience factor is what could tilt things in Michigan’s favor and that starts in the middle.

Cockburn has been spectacular for the Illini this season and has made an even bigger impact than some probably expected. He’s a very strong rebounder and he can also defend the rim, but not like Teske who averages 2.4 blocks compared to 1.1 for Cockburn.

The one big difference is that Cockburn hasn’t shown an ability to shoot the ball from deep. He hasn’t attempted a 3-pointer this season, while Teske is shooting 28 percent from beyond the arc and making nearly one 3-point field goal a game.

With Teske’s ability to score off the screen-and-roll, he should be able to get his offense without posting up against Cockburn. On the other side though, Cockburn will have to work against a fellow 7-footer who is an elite defender.

Cockburn will have his moments and if he can get Teske into foul trouble, he could have a strong outing, but it feels like Teske and U-M will force him to make more jumpers than he wants and that will lead to Teske having the better night overall.