Michigan Basketball: 3 Predictions for Wolverines against LSU

Mar 20, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard (middle right) breaks a huddle with his players and staff during the first half against the Texas Southern Tigers in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Bickel-USA TODAY Sports /

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Game will turn on Hunter Dickinson

The X-factor in this game is going to be Hunter Dickinson. The Wolverines want to get him the basketball and as he showed in the opening round when he missed just one shot, he’s extremely effective when he gets it in the right spot.

Double teams did hurt him against Texas Southern and you can bet the Tigers will try to employ a similar strategy. If Dickinson has six turnovers against LSU, that won’t be a good sign for Michigan.

He needs to do a better job of recognizing it and moving the ball. That’s how Michigan will get open looks. LSU gives up a ton of 3-pointers and assisted field goals. The bottom line is that the Tigers’ defense is among the worst in the entire NCAA Tournament.

They allowed 50.9 percent on 2-point attempts during the regular season, which doesn’t bode well for them defending Dickinson or even Franz Wagner.

If Dickinson is guarding Watford or really any “big” for the Tigers, it could be a mismatch for them just as much, so he needs to dominate on the offensive end, through scoring and creating open looks. Plus, he needs more than two rebounds.

If Dickinson can be effective down low and stay out of foul trouble, Michigan will win the game. If not, then it’s going to come down to 3-point shooting and that’s been precarious for U-M.

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