Michigan Basketball: 3 keys, odds and a prediction vs Purdue

The Michigan basketball team is in crunch time and needs to upset Purdue tonight. Here are three keys, as well as a look at odds, how to watch, and a prediction.

On Tuesday night, Michigan basketball found a way to win ugly and if that happens again Thursday night, the Wolverines will take it.

Against third-ranked Purdue, Michigan basketball will take any sort of win because, for its NCAA tournament hopes, the Wolverines desperately need it.

Michigan is currently 12-9 overall and 6-5 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines aren’t  projected to make the field of 68 right now but with nine games left and six at home, there is still time.

U-M will play six ranked teams over the final nine games which is the biggest issue. Four of those games are at home including the next two: Purdue and Ohio State (On Saturday).

Michigan just lost to Purdue last Saturday by six in an up-and-down game and here are three keys, plus a look at the odds and a prediction.

1. Another great effort from Dickinson

Hunter Dickinson was incredible last Saturday against Purdue scoring 28 points. However, he was credited with four fouls, four turnovers, and only two rebounds.

Dickinson is going to have to have another big game for the Wolverines to win this one. There’s no question about it. Michigan just doesn’t have the firepower without Hunter going off for about 20 points.

However, it’s easier said than done against Purdue with Zach Edey and Trevion Williams. Dickinson can take it to Williams, but Edey is a different story.

If Michigan could find a way to get him in foul trouble, that could completely change the game. Of course, Purdue will try to get Dickinson in foul trouble as it did last weekend, which forced him to be very passive defensively.

Tonight, he will need to be electric on both ends, and as good as he was last weekend, he’ll need to make some of the same shots while cutting down on the mistakes if Michigan wants to win.