Michigan basketball: 3 keys and a prediction for Wolverines against Purdue

Michigan basketball will take on Purdue tonight in a huge Big Ten matchup in West Lafayette. Here are three keys and a prediction.
Michigan head coach Dusty May reacts to a play against Washington during the second half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
Michigan head coach Dusty May reacts to a play against Washington during the second half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Take care of the ball

Purdue's defense has turned a corner since the start of Big Ten play. The Boilermakers lead the conference in scoring defense, in league games, allowing just 65.3 points per game.

Their overall field-goal percentage defense has been solid (5th in Big Ten games) but they are 9th in 2-point and 3-point percentage defense in conference play.

However, the defense has thrived on turnovers. Purdue leads the Big Ten in turnovers forced during conference play (14.3 per game). Michigan basketball, on the other hand, leads the Big Ten in turnovers (given away) with 13.1 per game.

It's the most disruptive defense in the conference against the offense that's been the worst at taking care of the basketball, so keeping the turnovers under control will be huge for U-M.

Schedule

Schedule