3 keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball vs. Indiana

Michigan basketball will host Indiana in the first Big Ten game of the season for the Wolverines. Here are three keys and a prediction. 

After a heartbreaking loss on Saturday, Michigan basketball returns home for a critical game against Indiana.

The Wolverines have struggled to close out games once again this season and lost a lead late against Oregon before losing on a buzzer-beater.

Michigan’s defense continues to let down. The Wolverines also missed key free throws down the stretch and missed a huge opportunity to score a quadrant-1 win on the road.

There is now a two-game Big Ten stretch for Michigan baskeball this week. A road game against Iowa looms on Sunday, so a loss here and the Wolverines would be looking at a 4-6 overall record, as well as an 0-2 start in the Big Ten.

So as far as must-win games go early in the season, this qualifies. Here are three keys for Michigan basketball, as well as a prediction.

Stay out of foul trouble

Michigan basketball is averaging 16.4 fouls per game which is ranked 239th in college basketball. It’s been an issue, especially with frontcourt players like Tarris Reed, Olivier Nkamhoua, and Will Tschetter who are all averaging at least two fouls per game.

Indiana doesn’t shoot the ball well from 3-point range, but the Hoosiers are good at getting the ball inside. They also get to the free-throw line quite frequently ranking 23rd in college basketball in free-throw attempts, as well as 32nd in free-throw makes.

Indiana shoots just 69 percent which ranks 234th. Bottom line, the Hoosiers aren’t a good shooting team, but they are solid inside with Kel’el Ware and Malik Reneau, as well as five-star freshman Mackenzie Mgbako and Michigan needs to keep its frontcourt players out of foul trouble.