Michigan Basketball: 3 keys and a prediction for Wolverines against Iowa

Michigan basketball can add another significant win to its tournament resume by beating Iowa tonight and here are three keys, as well as a prediction. 

Following a huge win over Michigan State on Tuesday night, Michigan basketball is closing in on an NCAA Tournament berth but with two regular-season games left there is still work to do.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are up next. Michigan knocked off Iowa on the road 84-79 last month, but don’t let that fool you. Iowa has been on a roll of late, beating Ohio State on the road, as well as notching wins over Michigan State, Minnesota, and Northwestern — all by double digits.

Michigan is looking to get its 11th win in the Big Ten and clinch a winning season in conference play. Yet, it’s not going to come easy.

The Wolverines spent a lot of energy on Tuesday in a rivalry game and will need to be ready less than two days later. Can they cement their NCAA Tournament status tonight? Here are three keys to doing that and a prediction for Michigan basketball.

Win extra possession battles or at least pull even

Iowa is a great offensive team — the best in the Big Ten according to the numbers. The Hawkeyes aren’t a great defensive team but they are a solid rebounding bunch and they also do a good job of forcing turnovers.

On the road against Iowa, Michigan lost the turnover battle by just one. Iowa did grab 12 offensive rebounds compared to eight for the Wolverines but Michigan won the rebound battle overall and as long as U-M can keep it close on the glass and in the turnover department, it should have a good shot of winning the game.