Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions, how to watch, odds vs Iowa

The defense simply has to be better

While much of the focus has been on the Wolverines post defense, the reality is, there are other issues. When it comes to Big Ten conference play, Michigan basketball simply isn’t forcing turnovers and it’s been a killer.

In five conference games, the Wolverines have forced just 53 turnovers, which is last in the league. They are first in taking care of the ball but have gotten such few takeaways it hasn’t mattered.

Michigan basketball also has the worst field-goal percentage defense in the Big Ten and is one of the worst teams defending 2-point shots, which makes sense. U-M is also ranked 12th in free throw attempts allowed, so this is about much more than Jon Teske and guarding bigs.

Howard cut his teeth in the NBA as a defensive guru and he needs to find a way to get this defense playing better. Missing Isaiah Livers has hurt, on both ends. But with Teske, Simpson, Brooks, Johns and Colin Castleton, there should be enough pieces to offer more resistance.

Michigan has lived by a strategy of limiting 3-point attempts and in Big Ten play at least, it hasn’t worked. We’ll see how U-M adjusts because it has to find an answer very soon.