No. 13 South Dakota
State vs. No. 4 Michigan
Time: 7:15PM
ET
Venue: The
Palace of Auburn Hills
TV: CBS
Records: South
Dakota State 25-9; Michigan 26-7
South Dakota State
stat leaders: Points – Nate Wolters (22.7 ppg); Rebounds – Jordan
Dykstra (7.9 rpg); Assists – Wolters (5.8 apg); Steals – Wolters (1.8 spg).
Michigan stat
leaders: Points – Trey Burke (19.2 ppg); Rebounds – Mitch McGary (5.5
rpg); Assists – Burke (6.7 apg); Steals – Burke (1.6 spg).
Current Streaks: South
Dakota State W4, Michigan L1
Point Spread: Michigan
-11.5
Prediction: I
think this is going to be a reasonably difficult opening game for Michigan.
South Dakota State is no joke. The Jackrabbits have tremendous scoring ability
and one of the top players in the entire tournament in Nate Wolters. South
Dakota State is also in its second straight tournament appearance, so it won’t
be overwhelmed by the environment and opponent. Despite all that, I think
Michigan will win, because I think the Wolverines will be able to outscore the
Jackrabbits. South Dakota State needs Wolters to give them a certain about of
points, and if he can’t do that, the Jackrabbits will not be able to win.
Michigan is able to survive if Trey Burke isn’t quite his usual self, as long
as guys like Tim Hardaway Jr., Nik Stauskas, Mitch McGary or Glenn Robinson III
step up. With Michigan being close to home and having a solid crowd behind it,
I think the Wolverines will play composed and comfortable, and do enough to get
the win tonight. Michigan 75, South
Dakota State 68
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