3 keys and a prediction for Michigan Basketball vs Michigan State

2. Defend well, especially in transition

The biggest change for Michigan basketball has been on the defensive end. Maryland was held to 13 points in the first half of its loss against the Wolverines and Penn State was held under 70 points and didn’t score in the last couple of minutes.

Bringing the defensive intensity is going to be key. Michigan is going to need to keep that up if it’s going to have a chance to knock off Michigan State on the road.

The Spartans aren’t great at attacking the basket or scoring in post-ups, but they shoot the 3-point shot really well and have always killed teams in transition.

The Spartans start by getting stops, so a good offensive day by Michigan will go a long way toward limiting MSU in transition. However, the Wolverines need to find the right spots on defense and need to limit the open 3-point shots in transition which could change the outcome.

Michigan State is going to need to shoot the ball well from deep to win the game and if you give them open looks in transition, that becomes much easier.