Odds, Prediction, and how to watch Michigan basketball vs. Penn State in Big Ten Tournament
The worst Michigan basketball season in recent memory could come to an end tonight. It would be fun to see the Wolverines play some decent basketball and put together a run, but come on, let's be realistic.
This is the worst team in the Big Ten and it's not even close. Michigan finished 3-17 in conference play and after a 3-0 start, went 5-23 down the stretch. Sure, the Wolverines led or were competitive in the first half of games, but there isn't the talent or depth to compete for 40 minutes. There isn't much heart either as we saw Nebraska score what seemed like a million unconested layups.
Allowing an opposing player to dribble from one end of the floor (after a rebound) to the other for a layup shouldn't happen in middle school, let alone the Big Ten. But it's happened time and time again this season, so it's not a shock that Michigan has the worst defensive efficiency rating in the league, as well as the second-worst offensive rating.
There isn't a single thing for this team to hang its hat on, other than it shoots well from 3-point range. But if you can't defend the rim, rebound, take care of the ball, or score at the rim, making a bunch of perimeter shots doesn't matter. And the hot starts can't be sustained.
Penn State has nine conference wins and is trying to reach the postseason. Michigan has been playing like a team that knows its head coach is about to get fired, even though the AD keeps saying he won't be, although that could, finally, be changing.
As far as tonight, here are the odds, how to watch, and a prediction.
Michigan basketball vs. Penn State how to watch
Date: March 13th Game Time: 9:00 PM EST Venue: Target Center How to Watch: Peacock
Michigan basketball vs. Penn State odds
The Nittany Lions are a seven-point favorite for tonight's game in Minneapolis. The over/under is 148.5 while the money line is +225 for Michigan basketball and -278 for Penn State.
Michigan basketball vs. Penn State prediction
There is no logical reason to believe Michigan will win this game. Ace Baldwin has been off the charts and frankly, even since his full-time return, Dug McDaniel hasn't been great. He has to take on too much volume, but his shot selection hasn't been great and he hasn't maintained his hot start.
Penn State forces a lot of turnovers which should lead to easy buckets. Michigan turned it over on 26 percent of its possessions in the first game. Maybe that will improve but it's hard to see the defense getting any better and that's why I'd take Penn State, plus the over.
feed
Penn State 81, Michigan 70