Michigan Basketball: 3 Predictions for Wolverines against Purdue

Who wins?

This feels very similar to the game at Minnesota Saturday, except Michigan will have Eli Brooks and also Austin Davis, who will play a key part in this one.

In the latest bracketology update, the Wolverines are listed as No. 1 seed by Joe Lunardi and winning this kind of game is what you gets that seed come March.

This is also essential in the Big Ten race and with three of the next four at home, as tough as they are, a win could help Michigan basketball create some actual separation in the standings.

Needing a win and getting one are two different things. While slowing Williams down will be key, he scored 18 off the bench in the last minutes in 21 shot attempts, Michigan also has to keep Sasha Stefanovic, the Boilers best perimeter shooter in check.

He was 3-for-3 last year against Michigan at Mackey and he’s shooting 45.6 percent from deep. He attempts more 3-pointers and free throws than 2-point shots. It will be interesting to see who guards him, but limiting his looks will be a priority.

After the poor effort on the road last Saturday, I do think Michigan will play better in this one and Purdue is a pretty good matchup. The Wolverines are shooting 38 percent from deep in conference play and the Boilers are giving up 8.4 treys a game in league play.

That, coupled with Michigan’s length and dominant interior defense will be just enough for the Wolverines to escape with a hard-fought win.

Final score: Michigan 71, Purdue 66