Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for Wolverines against Penn State
Who wins?
It’s pretty clear how important this game is for Michigan basketball. Falling to 2-5 in the Big Ten isn’t what this team expected when it surged into the top five.
The injury to Livers and a very challenging schedule ranked No. 5 by the Kenpom rankings, which still ranks U-M as No. 18, has been partly to blame. However, late-game struggles and just poor defending have also been culprits.
Offensively, Penn State is very good, yet defensively, its 13th in points allowed, which could also bode well for a Michigan offense that is averaging 78 points per game. Penn State is also one of the worst rebounding teams in the Big Ten and even though Michigan is the worst statistically, with its size advantage it should be able to get an edge.
At the end of the day, this feels like a game where Teske, Zavier Simpson, Brooks, Wagner and even Johns play well. Johns, I have a feeling will step up defensively and Wagner will do the same at the other end, knocking down some treys.
Michigan basketball makes a point tonight and restores a little confidence.
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Final score: Michigan 80, Penn State 69