3 keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball against Northwestern

The Wolverines will look to bounce back against Northwestern on Sunday. Here are three keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball.

Jan 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Vladislav Goldin (50) shoots as Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Parker Fox (23) and guard Femi Odukale (11) defend during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Jan 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Vladislav Goldin (50) shoots as Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Parker Fox (23) and guard Femi Odukale (11) defend during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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Get Vlad Goldin going

Michigan's inability to finish around the rim was the reason it lost to Minnesota. Michigan basketball was second in college basketball in 2-point field goal percentage, but made just 42 percent against Minnesota.

Vlad Goldin, the leading scorer, missed as many shots against the Gophers as he did in the previous four games. He made at least 57 percent of his attempts in each of those games. In three of them, Goldin made better than 70 percent of his shots.

Northwestern only has one player 6-foot-10 or taller, so it seems like a great chance to rebound. The Wildcats will be physical like Minnesota. That's the blueprint and Goldin, as well as others need to do a better job of finishing around the rim.

Schedule

Schedule