3 keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball vs. No. 22 Xavier

Michigan basketball faces a big test on Wednesday night against Xavier and here are three keys and a prediction for the Wolverines and Musketeers.

Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May reacts to a play during the second half of the Fort Myers Tip-Off Beach Division semifinal against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. / Jonah Hinebaugh/The News-Press/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Have the better 2-point defense

Limiting the 3-point shot will be key for both teams. But elite defensive teams play great defense around the rim. Michigan basketball was able to limit Virginia Tech to 38 percent on 2-point attempts and 38 percent on dunks/layups.

That's rim protection. Xavier is a better offensive team and will be more of a challenge, but that will be an interesting battle to watch. The Musketeers made 59 percent of their shots at the rim while South Carolina made 55 on Monday.

Xavier is 64th overall in opponents 2-point field-goal percentage. Michigan's 2-point defense ranks 23rd. The Wolverines are the fifth-best offensive team in college hoops on 2-point attempts (62.5 percent) while Xavier is outside the top 200 at 51.9.

That bodes well for the Wolverines as long they can clean up on the glass which won't be easy as Xavier averages 12.7 offensive rebounds per game, meaning they rebound over 40 percent of their missed shots.

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