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3 keys and a prediction for Michigan Basketball vs Wisconsin

By Chris Peterson

Feb 5, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) and guard Jett Howard (13) celebrate during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Kobe Bufkin (2) and guard Jett Howard (13) celebrate during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a brutal loss on Saturday, Michigan basketball is back on the road Tuesday against Wisconsin, and here are three keys, plus a prediction. 

The season is on the brink for the Michigan basketball team. The Wolverines (14-11, 8-6) have six games left and are currently part of a five-way tie for fifth place in the Big Ten.

Michigan’s NCAA tournament hopes are still alive but just barely. The loss on Saturday was a huge blow as the Wolverines controlled the game throughout against Indiana, but failed to score in the last five minutes against the Hoosiers.

It’s not the first time Juwan Howard’s team has gone minutes without scoring at the end of a close game. It’s an issue and if Howard doesn’t fix it soon, he will find himself on the hot seat.

Michigan should have beaten Virginia, Iowa, and at least Indiana. There were other games too, but those three really stand out. Michigan would be 17-8 overall, 10-6 in the Big Ten (2nd place) and the NCAA tournament wouldn’t be in doubt.

Now, the Wolverines probably need to win five of their last six in the regular season and that starts tonight in Wisconsin (14-10, 6-8). We all remember the brawl that happened last year in Madison. Emotions will be running high and both teams desperately need a win.

Here are three keys and a prediciton for Michigan basketball against Wisconsin.

The big three have to carry the day

Hunter Dickinson, Kobe Bufkin, and Jett Howard are the big three for Michigan basketball and when all three of those guys play well, the Wolverines are hard to beat.

They combined for 42 points on Saturday, which is right around the season average but they weren’t quite as impactful as they usually are. Kobe Bufkin only had one rebound and zero assists. Jett Howard went 2-of-8 from the 3-point line and Hunter Dickinson only attempted 10 shots.

Against Wisconsin, these guys are going to have to carry the day. Yes, the supporting cast needs to be better, but frankly, I think Michigan has the top three individual players in this matchup and if they play like it in Madison, the Wolverines will leave victorious.

Yet, against one of the better defenses in the Big Ten, it will be easier said than done.

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