GBMWolverine
Fansided

3 keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball against Iowa

After an impressive road win at Wisconsin, Michigan basketball returns home to take on Iowa. Here are three keys and a prediction.

By Chris Peterson

Michigan Wolverines center Danny Wolf (1) celebrates with forward Will Tschetter (42) during the first half of the Fort Myers Tip-Off Beach Division final against the Xavier Musketeers at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.
Michigan Wolverines center Danny Wolf (1) celebrates with forward Will Tschetter (42) during the first half of the Fort Myers Tip-Off Beach Division final against the Xavier Musketeers at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. / Jonah Hinebaugh/The News-Press/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next

Take care of the ball

Michigan averages 14.9 turnovers per game and Iowa turns opponents over 16.9 times per game. The Hawkeyes are among the top 20 teams in college basketball in forcing turnovers and it feels like they need to get close to that number (forcing 16 turnovers) to have a chance in this game.

Michigan is the better team. The Wolverines have better individual players and most of the matchups tilt in Michigan's favor. But the Hawkeyes are dangerous, especially Payton Sandfort and Owen Freeman who average a combined 33 points per game. If Michigan lets Iowa get hot, get out in transition, and doesn't value the ball, this game could easily go sideways.

Prediction

A 2-0 start in Big Ten play would be huge and after Tuesday's win, this team feels capable of contending for the Big Ten championship, so every game is important. The Wolverines are an 8.5-point favorite in this battle of 7-1 teams, but Michigan's defense, and it's 7-footers will win the day.

Michigan 81, Iowa 72

feed

Home/Michigan Basketball