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Michigan Basketball: 3 things to watch for vs Michigan State

By Sean ODonnell

Michigan head coach Juwan Howard talks to a referee during the first half of the Indiana versus Michigan men's basketball game at Simon Skijodt Assembly Hall on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022.Iu Mu Bb 1h Howard 1
Michigan head coach Juwan Howard talks to a referee during the first half of the Indiana versus Michigan men's basketball game at Simon Skijodt Assembly Hall on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022.Iu Mu Bb 1h Howard 1 /
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Michigan basketball takes on instate rival Michigan State Saturday at 12:30 PM ET. The Wolverines, led by Hunter Dickinson sit at 10-7 on the season and 4-3 in the conference. They are also riding a three-game winning streak. Here’s what you need to watch vs MSU. 

Well, the time has come. Michigan basketball was supposed to play the Spartans earlier in the year but had to cancel due to COVID-19 related issues with the team, but here we are.

The Wolverines displayed a unique performance against Northwestern, proving that they do have some fight in them contrary to popular belief. In addition, we saw the growth and confidence boost from Caleb Houstan which proved vital to the success that the Wolverines had.

However, Michigan State is not Northwestern. The Wolverines are going to have to play meticulous, patient, and on their terms. Let’s review some key things to watch for during the biggest game to date for the Wolverines this season.

1. Can Hunter Dickinson get going, and if so will it be enough?

Hunter Dickinson is undoubtedly the most important piece to the Michigan Wolverines puzzle. While he can have his moments of weakness, his near-perfect consistency and ability to deliver results in crucial points is a necessity that the Wolverines cannot afford to not have.

Dickinson provides the spark that the Wolverines need when they start to go flat. His dominant offensive presence in the paint and attention to detail on defense will be the difference between Michigan being competitive and Michigan getting run out of the gym.

His facilitating ability to the outside from the post is unmatched, and when he gets going—he really gets going. If you recall last year, Hunter was held to an average of 13 points by Michigan State, he’s going to need to at least hit the 20 mark for this to remain a competitive game.

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