#19 Wisconsin Faces a Tough Test Ahead In #7 Michigan
Andrew Tineo
Posted On February 8
Location: Crisler Center. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Date: February, 9th.
Time: 12 PM EST, FOX.
Background Information:
It is scary how much these teams are so like one another. Both don’t score the ball well (both in the bottom quadrant in scoring), play stout defense (both Top 10 in total defense) and don’t turn the ball over (2nd and 3rd in the nation in turnovers per game)
The hottest team in all of college basketball has a chance at a season sweep of the Wolverines. Wisconsin has won 6 in a row and that streak began with a 10 point upset back on January, 19th to the Michigan Wolverines. This year’s Badgers have been led by Senior F Ethan Happ.
Happ has been excellent his entire career and has a chance to keep the hottest team in the country rolling along. Happ averages a double-double with 18.3 PPG and 10.4 RPG as he will go down as one of the best Badgers in it’s school’s history. This Wisconsin has turned it around with amazing defense as they haven’t given up more than 65 during this 6 game winning streak and just 2 games when their opponents went over 60. This is the same team that gave up 83 points and lost to Western Kentucky. They are playing team ball at the right time.
Michigan is basically been exactly how most bluebloods play from a resume standpoint. Michigan has some really good wins over Villanova, North Carolina, Purdue, and Indiana. Ignas Brazdeikis has been the leading catalyst for Michigan with averaging 15.5 PPG. Brazdeikis has 43/40/80 splits during conference play and brings a really good defensive presence in the paint.
But Zavier Simpson may be the difference in the game as he has been averaging 6 assists per game and has been a good scorer in the paint. Wisconsin isn’t the best 3 point shooting team, but they have guards that can get into the paint and try to challenge guys like Ethan Happ, Nate Reuvers, and Aleem Ford.
Key to a win for Michigan:
Michigan doesn’t shot the three well. But they are really good at limiting other teams from hitting 3’s. They force opponents to shoot just 30% per game and is huge in a game like this where their won’t be a ton of offense. Michigan also ranks in the top 15 in fewest fouls and that should be an added bonus with having the crowd on their side in a home environment.
Key to a win for Wisconsin:
Even though Michigan is at home, that doesn’t shy away that they are not good from the charity stripe. They are at the back of the pack in in the Big 10 and in the 200’s nationally (with just 68.4%). It’s not the end of the world if Wisconsin starts crumbling and fouling. That’s something the Wolverines are not great at.
Final Verdict:
Both teams play elite defense and offense will be limited In this game. Both teams are playing well, but with the home court advantage, Michigan is able to escape and stay atop the Big 10 with a big time win and some revenge from the first meeting. Michigan 66, Wisconsin 61.
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