On Thursday, Michigan basketball will host 14-14 Rutgers for a late tip at Crisler at 9:00 PM.
Rutgers has struggled this season behind their two elite freshman, who could both be top three picks in the upcoming NBA Draft: Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.
The Wolverines are coming off a sluggish but gritty 49-46 win in Lincoln over Nebraska Monday night. Rutgers is coming off two straight wins. On the road at Washington and home against USC.
The Prediction for Michigan basketball vs. Rutgers
I think the Wolverines dominate and control this game from start to finish. It was not the Wolverines' best showing in Lincoln on Monday, especially on the offensive end, but Michigan basketball displayed a great offensive performance against a young and bad Rutgers defense earlier in the season.
I think the Wolverines win this game 92-71. I think Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin have a big game torching a Scarlet Knights defense that is extremely undersized compared to the Wolverines. Ace Bailey is listed as the tallest player at 6-foot-10 but isn't physically ready for the challenge Goldin and Wolf present down low.
The Scarlet Knights are 300th in the nation in opposing points per game giving up 76.2. However, they are a better 107th in offense scoring 76.7.
I think this game will be played fast right from the jump and it's going to come down to who gets fatigued more and who has more bodies to contribute.
I lean toward the Wolverines based on the depth they possess and the variety of wings that can neutralize the two Rutgers stars.