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3 keys and a prediction for Michigan Basketball against Northwestern

By Chris Peterson

Jan 15, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) dribbles in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) dribbles in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Hunter Dickinson has to rebound

On Sunday against Penn State, Hunter Dickinson played one of the worst games of his Michigan career. His defense was lethargic and he was 3-of-9 from the field.

If that Hunter Dickinson shows up on Thursday night, Michigan basketball will have no chance of beating Northwestern. It’s true that Hunter only scored 10 points in the first game, but he also had 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block, while leading Michigan in plus/minus.

The junior needs a similar effort tonight. It would be nice to see him hit a couple of perimeter shots as he did against Purdue. Northwestern really makes it tough on teams in terms of allowing post-ups so Juwan needs to get creative too.

Beyond getting Hunter double-digit shot attempts, Dickinson needs double-digit rebounds and to be a strong defensive presence. Rebounding was huge in the first matchup and Michigan held a 38-29 edge, as well as a 10-9 lead on the offensive boards.

That needs to happen again and Dickinson needs to rebound from a bad performance on Sunday.

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