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3 things to watch during Michigan Basketball vs UCF

By Sean ODonnell

Dec 18, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) shoots on Southern Utah Thunderbirds forward Maizen Fausett (12) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) shoots on Southern Utah Thunderbirds forward Maizen Fausett (12) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
(Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

1. Making a defensive statement early

While it may sound cliche and obvious no matter what opponent you might face, this UCF team is scrappy and quick. Statistically, UCF is a near carbon copy of Michigan basketball this season with the difference being mere decimal points.

Michigan defensively has had struggles but also shown flashes of brilliance. With John Beilein as the head coach, who was a real X and O’s coach, we always knew we’d get spectacular defenses. With Juwan, we’ve yet to see that consistency but we have seen it before.

It’ll be important that we guard the perimeter which has been the main concern for Michigan basketball as of late.

UCF’s best bucket getter Darin Green Jr. is shooting just over 40% from deep with a team average of just over 33%. Limiting him is going to be the biggest key and a point of success that Juwan and company need to prioritize.

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