Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Penn State

Comes down to Big Jon

Jon Teske has been outstanding this season for Michigan basketball. He’s leading the team in points, rebounds and blocks and is also the team leader in player efficiency.

At times, he can be flat-out dominant and that’s what Michigan basketball needs from its 7-foot center Wednesday night.

Last season, Penn State did a great job defending Teske and he scored just 14 points in two games against the Nittany Lions. But in the second matchup, he only took two shots, something that will not happen this time around.

More than last season, Howard has made getting the ball to Teske inside a point of emphasis, especially when he has an advantage and he will against Penn State, which doesn’t have anyone on its roster taller than 6-foot-9.

So that should mean a heavy dose of Teske. Luka Garza just made 12-of-16 against Penn State and while Teske isn’t Garza, he’s an effective offensive player. Post ups, as well as putting Teske into ball-screen action should help get things going and his offense is working, it will open up shots for guys like Franz Wagner, Eli Brooks and Brandon Johns.

This is when you big-time guys need to step up and tonight, Teske will with 20 and 10.