Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Minnesota

Who wins?

This is a really tough game to call. Winning on the road in the Big Ten is tough enough and having to do it without Livers is even harder.

Yet, the Gophers present a matchup that could allow Michigan basketball to use a smaller lineup again and succeeding with that group could be the key. Three of Minnesota’s top three scorers at 6-foot-4 but that could help U-M matchup.

The thing is watching the boards. Minnesota is a very good rebounding team and Michigan can’t allow to give up tons of extra possessions, although when you go small, you have to live with it.

Michigan doesn’t have to shoot the lights out in this one, but it won’t win away from home shooting sub-30 percent from beyond the arc. Wagner and DeJulius need to connect from deep, as well as Teske, Johns or Brooks.

Staying competitive at the 3-point line and on the boards is essential for Michigan. The other key component for Michigan is taking care of the ball. The Gophers turn it over frequently and with more guards, U-M should be able to win that battle.

If so, Michigan will win and I think it will, narrowly.

Final score: Michigan 72, Minnesota 69