3 keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball vs No. 1 Purdue

Michigan basketball is hosting top-ranked Purdue tonight and here are three keys, as well as a prediction for the Wolverines. 

If the Michigan basketball team is going to turn its season around, it needs to start tonight against Purdue as the top-ranked Boilermakers invade the Crisler Center.

Last season, Michigan was squarely on the bubble and in a similar situation last year in terms of making the NCAA tournament. The Wolverines then beat No. 3 Purdue at home and that sparked a run that eventually took U-M to the Sweet 16.

There is still hope for this Michigan basketball team but Thursday night will be a huge test. Purdue is extremely efficient on both ends of the floor. Zach Edey has been flat-out dominant this season.

The Boilermakers are fifth in the Kenpom rankings with the No. 5 adjusted offense and the No. 16 adjusted defense. Michigan basketball is 60th, ranking 54th in offense and 76th on defense.

The Wolverines are a 5.5-point underdog according to FanDuel and it will take an extraordinary effort to upset Purdue. Here are three keys to making it happen and our prediction.

Hunter Dickinson needs a big game

Michigan basketball isn’t going to win unless Hunter shines on both ends of the floor. Last season, he was 6-of-9 against Purdue from 3-point range and the Boilermakers are going to give him that look again. It’s the way they defend the rim.

Dickinson should get some post-ups on Zach Edey too and he’s tough to score on, but not impossible. Derrick Walker of Nebraska had success in both of his matchups and Walker is 6-foot-10 compared to Dickinson who is 7-foot-1.

Last season, Dickinson didn’t have any problems. He averaged 25 points per game in two contests against Purdue and shot 62 percent from the field. That’s the kind of effort Michigan basketball will need on Thursday to take down No. 1.