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3 Keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball vs Toldeo in the NIT

By Chris Peterson

Michigan center Hunter Dickinson (1) celebrates a play against Ohio State with teammates during the second half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.
Michigan center Hunter Dickinson (1) celebrates a play against Ohio State with teammates during the second half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. /
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Michigan basketball opens the NIT on Tuesday night against Toledo and here are three keys for the Wolverines, as well as a prediction. 

At the start of the season, few would have expected the Michigan basketball team to be taking part in the NIT, instead of the NCAA tournament, but that’s where we are.

Unlike North Carolina and Cincinnati, Michigan basketball accepted a bid into the NIT and will open their tournament on Tuesday night against MAC regular-season champion Toledo.

The Rockets are 28-7 and finished the season averaging 85.8 points per game, which is second in all of college basketball. Toldeo has just one player listed at 6-foot-10 and he doesn’t even start. After that, it’s 6-foot-7.

But the Rockets shoot the lights out. They are stellar in scoring at all three levels but are the second-best 3-point shooting team in college hoops at 39.7 percent. The Rockets have four players that average at least 1.5 3-pointers per game and they all shoot 37 percent or better.

It’s going to be a challenge for the Wolverines defensively. Toledo will also have to deal with Hunter Dickinson, Kobe Bufkin, and Jett Howard.

So let’s get to it — three keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball vs Toldeo.

Be motivated

This is the first and most important key to me — this Michigan basketball has to be motivated. Making the NIT was a disappointment. However, if you are going to be in the NIT, you might as well win the thing.

The Wolverines have two NIT championships to their credit, but this is the first time the Wolverines have been in the field since Tommy Amaker was the head coach.

If Dickinson, Bufkin, and Howard all come back, which is possible, this could be a stepping stone toward bigger things next season. You see teams make the NIT finals one year and are back in the NCAA tournament the next. It happens all the time.

Michigan is a team that needs to learn how to win and the NIT can be a great opportunity for that. It’s not the championship Michigan basketball or its fans wanted, but it would be a great way to end the season.

Winning the tournament takes five wins and it’s not going to be easy. Tuesday’s game won’t be a cakewalk either, especially if Michigan is feeling sorry for itself after missing the field of 68.

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