The Michigan basketball team has already had a successful trip to the West Coast thanks to a win over USC. Getting a split on the road is always what you want to achieve at a minimum, but the Wolverines have a huge challenge on Tuesday against UCLA (10 PM EST, Peacock).
Michigan basketball is ranked 24th in the AP Poll. UCLA is 22nd and fresh off a road loss to Nebraska. The Bruins are 2-1 in the Big Ten. Michigan basketball is 3-0 -- tied for first in the Big Ten and a win tonight would be another sign that this team is a true title contender.
Here are three keys and a prediction for Michigan baskeball vs. UCLA.
Limiting turnovers
UCLA is one of the best teams in college basketball at forcing turnovers. The Bruins rank in the top five in forced turnovers (17.8 per game). Michigan basketball is one of the worst teams at protecting the ball ranking in the top 20 in terms of turning the ball over.
The Bruins will apply pressure. We'll see how the Wolverines handle that. Turnovers have been a constant issue for this team and taking care of the ball will be a huge key Tuesday night.
Take advantage of the advantage inside
Turnovers are an issue for Michigan basketball, but the Wolverines' ability to score the ball inside gives them an advantage in this game. With Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf, Michigan shoots 62.6 percent which is third in all of college basketball.
Goldin is leading the Big Ten in field-goal percentage (67.6) and the Bruins rank 149th in 2-point defense. They are 281st in shots blocked per game, so rim protection is the one weakness of one of the best defenses in college hoops and Michigan basketball needs to take advantage of it.
Bring the defense
They say that a great defense travels well and Michigan basketball has to hope that's the case on Tuesday. The Wolverines have the No. 18th adjusted defensive efficiency. UCLA is fourth according to the Kenpom rankings.
UCLA is the well-known defense, but Michigan ranks in the top 100 in field-goal percentage defense, 2-point defense, 3-point defense and overall scoring.
The Wolverines need to force the Bruins the play at a faster pace, but defending the bigs Eric Dailey and 6-foot-10 five man, Tyler Bilodeau, will be the biggest challenge.
Prediction
Dailey didn't play against Nebraska on Saturday so his status will be something to watch. Michigan needs to take care of the ball but their advantage inside should lead to a win.
Michigan 74, UCLA 70