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

Michigan needs to keep the 3-point scoring close

It sounds like Jett Howard is going to try and play on Thursday night for Michigan basketball. However, Juwan said he doesn’t want Jett to play if he’s hobbled and I agree.

Yet, with Howard or without him, it’s important for Michigan basketball to keep the 3-point scoring competitive. Purdue shoots a bunch of 3-pointers and they make more than seven per game.

Fletcher Loyer hits 2.2 per game while freshman point guard Braden Smith averages 1.3 and Brandon Newman makes 1.2 per game. All three guys shoot 35 percent or better from beyond the arc and playing good perimeter defense will be just as important as slowing Edey.

If Jett Howard plays or whether it’s Joey Baker or Isaiah Barnes, Michigan needs to make some shots. Getting a 3-pointer or two from Hunter would help, but this is a game where the 3-ball needs to go if the Wolverines are going to pull an upset.

Michigan basketball vs Purdue prediction

This Michigan team has been really hard to predict. I think the Wolverines are going to battle and I do expect Hunter Dickinson to play well. But with Jett Howard less than 100 percent even if he goes, I’m going to give Purdue a slight edge.

Michigan will cover the spread but lose another heartbreaker 73-70.