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3 Keys and a prediction for Michigan basketball vs. TCU

Michigan basketball is back in action against TCU and here are three keys and a prediction for the Wolverines and the Horned Frogs.

By Chris Peterson

Michigan head coach Dusty May watches warm up before the season opener against Cleveland State during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.
Michigan head coach Dusty May watches warm up before the season opener against Cleveland State during the first half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Michigan basketball will be back at home on Friday (6 PM EST) against TCU. The Wolverines are fresh off a loss to Wake Forest.

The Wolverines are an eight-point favorite against the Horned Frogs who are 3-0 but haven't played anyone of substance. Michigan basketball is ranked 31st according to the Kenpom rankings. TCU is 53rd.

It will be an interesting test for Michigan basketball. The win over Cleveland State was impressive and there were positive things, even in a loss to Wake Forest, but it's hard to know exactly what this Wolveirnes team is until we see a larger sample size.

That starts tonight and here are three keys, plus a prediction.

Take care of the ball

John Beilein made a career out of taking care of the basketball. During his heyday, it was rare that Michigan basketball committed more than 10 turnovers.

So far, that's been a struggle. Dusty May's teams have struggled with turnovers in the past and it's fair to point out that Michigan has a bunch of new players, learning a new system, and learning how to play together

But they are still averaging 18 turnovers per game. That number will need to come down and it will. But against TCU, it will be a focal point. The Horned Frogs are forcing teams into 18 turnovers per game, so this will be a good test of Michigan's ability to take care of the basketball.

Under 10 turnovers would be ideal, but something in the 12-14 range would at least be a tangible improvement against a team that focuses a lot of energy on turning people over.

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