3 keys and a prediction for Michigan Basketball vs Vanderbilt in the NIT

Kobe needs to play well on both ends

Every time Kobe Bufkin is on the court, I’m hoping it’s not going to be the last time we see him in a Michigan basketball uniform.

I think he could have a shot at being Big Ten Player of the Year if he were to return next season and while he didn’t quite do that this year, his leap in the last two months didn’t seem that far off from what Nik Stauskas did.

Bufkin is Michigan’s best two-way player and his defense is going to be guarding Vandy’s top scorer (playing in the game) Tyin Lawrence. Bufkin has the potential to score at all three levels and when he’s playing high-level defense, Michigan is pretty hard to beat.

If Bufkin has a big night, my bet is that Michigan basketball moves on.

Michigan basketball vs Vanderbilt prediction

The Wolverines are a two-point underdog according to DraftKings, but I think Michigan is a better overall team and with Vanderbilt not having its best big, I see the Wolverines winning outright.