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thewolverines24
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After a pair of home blowouts, Michigan heads on the road this week for its first high-major test against St. John?s at Madison Square Garden (6:30 p.m., FS1).
KEYS
Rebounding: St. John?s offensive rebounding ability is the most intimidating part of the scout. Michigan has looked solid on the glass this year but hasn?t been tested against a team of this caliber. Similarly, Michigan looks like it has the potential to be an excellent offensive-rebounding team in its own right, while SJU has looked vulnerable on the defensive glass.
Test of depth: Michigan has been touting its ?depth by versatility,? but this game will tell us how real that depth is. The individual battles at the 1, 4, and 5 are all awesome, but the Wolverines will need something from their bench ? especially if there?s any foul trouble. Nimari Burnett will have to play point guard for a stretch, Will Tschetter needs to provide more good minutes, George Washington III will play, and it would be a great time for Tray Jackson to get going.
Ball screen defense: Michigan?s pick-and-roll defense has shown some notable cracks early this year. The Wolverines haven?t been perfect with their communication on that end of the court, and it hasn?t mattered because the offense has been terrific. It will matter tonight, and Michigan will have to have its best effort defending the ball screen this season.
BOTTOM LINE
This game is challenging to preview because neither team knows what?s real.
Olivier Nkamhoua and Chris Ledlum look awesome to start the season; only one will be as confident at 9 p.m. tonight. Michigan?s wings and forwards are shooting it well, but shooting it well in the Garden is a different challenge.
This matchup isn?t about the stats or results on paper right now; it is about which stats will still be on paper in a couple of weeks. Tonight, we start to find out.
KenPom pegs Michigan as a 77-76 favorite, giving the Wolverines a 52% chance at remaining undefeated. Vegas sees things differently, with the Red Storm favored by 2.5 points.
GO BLUE!
KEYS
Rebounding: St. John?s offensive rebounding ability is the most intimidating part of the scout. Michigan has looked solid on the glass this year but hasn?t been tested against a team of this caliber. Similarly, Michigan looks like it has the potential to be an excellent offensive-rebounding team in its own right, while SJU has looked vulnerable on the defensive glass.
Test of depth: Michigan has been touting its ?depth by versatility,? but this game will tell us how real that depth is. The individual battles at the 1, 4, and 5 are all awesome, but the Wolverines will need something from their bench ? especially if there?s any foul trouble. Nimari Burnett will have to play point guard for a stretch, Will Tschetter needs to provide more good minutes, George Washington III will play, and it would be a great time for Tray Jackson to get going.
Ball screen defense: Michigan?s pick-and-roll defense has shown some notable cracks early this year. The Wolverines haven?t been perfect with their communication on that end of the court, and it hasn?t mattered because the offense has been terrific. It will matter tonight, and Michigan will have to have its best effort defending the ball screen this season.
BOTTOM LINE
This game is challenging to preview because neither team knows what?s real.
Olivier Nkamhoua and Chris Ledlum look awesome to start the season; only one will be as confident at 9 p.m. tonight. Michigan?s wings and forwards are shooting it well, but shooting it well in the Garden is a different challenge.
This matchup isn?t about the stats or results on paper right now; it is about which stats will still be on paper in a couple of weeks. Tonight, we start to find out.
KenPom pegs Michigan as a 77-76 favorite, giving the Wolverines a 52% chance at remaining undefeated. Vegas sees things differently, with the Red Storm favored by 2.5 points.
GO BLUE!
