3 Predictions for Michigan Basketball against Michigan State

Hunter Dickinson stands tall

Thinking about this matchup, it really feels like it’s going to come down to Hunter Dickinson. Either he has a great game and Michigan basketball wins or he’s average and the Wolverines likely lose.

Dickinson scored less than 10 points against Northwestern and was in constant foul trouble and the Wolverines found a way. But that was Northwestern and it was at home.

If that happens again on Saturday, Michigan basketball is in trouble. 6-foot-11 Marcus Bingham will probably get a chance to guard Dickinson one-on-one and he can be relatively successful and stay out of foul trouble, Michigan State is going to have a great chance to win the game.

The Spartans have the 3rd-best 2-point defense in the Big Ten and the No. 1 3-point defense, while Michigan is 2nd in both categories.

Dickinson is the key to it all. When he’s scoring and moving the ball, his teammates are getting open shots. But it all comes down to him winning one-on-one and continuing to hit perimeter jumpers as he has throughout Big Ten play.

Hunter said one reason he wanted to come back was to play on the road and there is no better place for a Michigan basketball player to win than at the Breslin Center. There’s also no place that is more difficult.

Dickinson led the charge last weekend against Indiana and I believe he’ll be dialed in Saturday and will put together a Moe-Wagner type performance.