3 keys and a prediction for Michigan Basketball vs Wisconsin

Guards need to shine

Recently, Kobe Bufkin has been Michigan basketball’s best player and he certainly was in the first meeting against Wisconsin when he scored 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting.

At some point, Bufkin is going to be a first-round pick. He impacts both ends of the floor and his jumper is only getting better and better.

That ability to make mid-range shots and 3-pointers is coming to be important on Sunday. Wisconsin loves to play under on ball screens and that should give Bufkin, Dug McDaniel, and Jett Howard if he plays, plenty of opportunities.

Howard was 4-of-14 in the first matchup in Madison. McDaniel had seven points and was 3-of-5 from the field but had a key turnover late and both surely want to play better.

If Michigan can get a similar effort from Bufkin, plus improved play from Howard and McDaniel, Wisconsin shouldn’t stand a chance.

The Wolverines have the edge in the backcourt, especially if McDaniel can continue to play well. He’s averaged 17 points, four boards and three assists in the last two wins and has been a huge tone-setter.

You need to make jump shots to beat Wisconsin and in the Big Ten, you need your point guard to play well in order to win, so getting good guard play is going to be vital for the Wolverines.

Michigan basketball vs Wisconsin prediction

To me, this game will determine if Michigan makes the tournament or not. If the Wolverines win this one, I’m betting they will find a way.

I know they have tougher games ahead, but Wisconsin is going to be desperate. Both teams have 16 wins and winning at Michigan would probably clinch a bid for the Badgers.

Yet, the Wolverines have found their stride and are playing really well on the defensive end. Dug McDaniel is also playing like a veteran. Add that to Bufkin’s production and I see Michigan’s guards being too much for the Badgers in a 70-63 win.