3 Predictions for Michigan Basketball against Rutgers

Michigan will get hot from deep

The Wolverines have flashed at times from 3-point range and just made 11 in the loss to UCF. Eli Brooks and DeVante Jones each hit four, while Kobe Bufkin made two.

Bufkin’s defense needs to improve but the Wolverines need his scoring ability. Not only is he a solid perimeter shooter but he can get to the basket and my hope is that Juwan continues to play him double-digit minutes every night.

Brandon Johns could get some time in this matchup, just because it’s Rutgers and it tends to be rough and tumble. His presence will be needed on the boards and he’s played well against the Scarlet Knights before, so who knows, maybe he’ll even hit an open shot from deep (he’ll get one or two).

Rutgers tries to do everything to defend the paint and that will be the focus along with Dickinson. Hunter who should be able to score inside, but he’ll need help from his teammates to open things up.

And tonight, I really think Caleb Houstan, who was 0-for-4 from deep against UCF, will answer along with Brooks, Jones, and Bufkin. I can easily see the Wolverines knocking down 10 triples in Piscataway.

Prediction

It seems like we keep hoping the Wolverines will turn things around only to be disappointed. They played really well on the road at Nebraska and while Rutgers is a better team, the environment is similar and I think Michigan responds, thanks to an inspired night from Dickinson.

Michigan gets a 72-64 win and rolls into the Michigan State game with at least a little confidence.