The twin towers need to be at their best
This easily could have been about 3-point shooting. Purdue is 12th in the Big Ten in 3-pointers allowed, 14th in 3-point attempts allowed, and 9th in 3-point percentage defense (in conference play) so Michigan basketball will get 3-point opportunities.
The Wolverines have been a little up-and-down, but if they shoot like they did against UCLA for instance, that will bode well.
However, a bigger key is the play of Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf. They are Michigan's best players and the most important. Trey Donaldson will need to have a good night against Braden Smith, but if Goldin doesn't own the paint or at least find consistent success, it will be a tough hill to climb.
Danny Wolf didn't make a field goal in the last game and that can't happen again. He needs to be a playmaker, but also can't have 4-5 careless turnovers. Purdue will make you pay.
Prediction: Purdue 78, Michigan 75
I think this will be a classic but Purdue will just hit too many shots. I also don't see them losing two games in a row at Mackey Arena.