Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Minnesota

Michigan sticks with big-man strategy

One staple of Juwan Howard’s defense has been a resistance to double down on big guys in the post and that has led to some big outings. On Sunday, we will see if Howard continues to play it that way against Daniel Oturu.

Oturu averaged just more than 10 points in three games against Minnesota last season and Teske did a solid job defending him. However, he has upped his average to 19.3 points and 12.3 rebounds.

His presence has certainly led to more 3-point attempts for the Gophers, who have two players that shoot more than seven 3’s per game in Gabe Kalsscheur and Payton Willis. Marcus Carr also shoots nearly five a game.

Yet, in conference play, Minnesota is shooting just 29 percent from deep, so maybe Michigan will allow the Gophers to shoot more. If not and Howard chooses not to double down much, Teske’s ability to limit Oturu inside could be the difference. Forcing Minnesota to take a bunch of tough 2-pointers could be the path to victory, as long as Oturu doesn’t make a bunch.