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thewolverines24
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Michigan hosts Iowa on Saturday (5:00 p.m., FS1) for its first Big Ten rematch of the season. The Wolverines won at Iowa in early December in what felt like a last-ditch effort to keep the train on the track. The Wolverines followed that up with a win over Eastern Michigan before losing seven of their next eight.
KEYS
Transition defense: The target from the first meeting was holding Iowa under 20 transition points, and Michigan was able to do that, even with some late-game foolishness. In this one, that should be the goal again to keep the Hawkeyes under control.
Score in the paint: Tarris Reed Jr. was excellent in the first meeting, and the goal should be to get Michigan?s bigs involved early and often. Iowa lacks elite rim protection and 2-point defense, and there should be finishing opportunities for Nkamhoua and Reed in the paint and around the basket.
Handle zone: Michigan hasn?
t been great against zone defenses this year, 43rd percentile, and saw a ton of it against Iowa in the first meeting. I?d expect more of the same given that the Wolverines scored .84 points per play against zone in the first meeting compared to 1 point per play against man.
BOTTOM LINE
Michigan-Iowa games seem to lean into the unexpected of late. Saturday?s matchup takes things even further because it is tough to have any expectations for either group. KenPom pegs Michigan as narrow 85-84 favorites and calls it a 50-50 game.
Likely one of the last chances for a win this season. Go Blue!
KEYS
Transition defense: The target from the first meeting was holding Iowa under 20 transition points, and Michigan was able to do that, even with some late-game foolishness. In this one, that should be the goal again to keep the Hawkeyes under control.
Score in the paint: Tarris Reed Jr. was excellent in the first meeting, and the goal should be to get Michigan?s bigs involved early and often. Iowa lacks elite rim protection and 2-point defense, and there should be finishing opportunities for Nkamhoua and Reed in the paint and around the basket.
Handle zone: Michigan hasn?
PHP:
BOTTOM LINE
Michigan-Iowa games seem to lean into the unexpected of late. Saturday?s matchup takes things even further because it is tough to have any expectations for either group. KenPom pegs Michigan as narrow 85-84 favorites and calls it a 50-50 game.
Likely one of the last chances for a win this season. Go Blue!