3 keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball against Wisconsin

A big night from Danny Wolf

It feels like Wisconsin is going to go small at some point and force the Wolverines to guard Tonje at the four. That could mean Danny Wolf and him are matched up one-on-one.

That was the concern about Wolf. Could he guard fours? You are what you can guard after all. So far, he's been solid on defense but this would be a different challenge.

Michigan could also go small with Rubin Jones and play Wolf at the five. There are different options but even if Wisconsin elects to play big (they start two bigs who are 6-11 and 7-0) that's a matchup that Wolf needs to take advantage of.

To me, Wolf is the X-factor for Michigan basketball. When he's hitting shots and making plays, nobody on this team is better offensively. Not only can he shoot from deep, he can create for himself and others. He's also been turnover prone.

If Wolf can limit the turnovers and be a playmaker, I feel much better about Michigan's chances of pulling off an upset.

Prediction

This one is hard to read. This Michigan basketball team feels really good. It will be ranked if it wins this game but even good teams lose at the Kohl Center. A win and you can call this team a true Big Ten title contender.

However, my gut tells me the Badgers find a way to win a close one. The Wolverines cover but fall short in a classic.

Wisconsin 79, Michigan 77.