No. 1 Michigan at No.
3 Indiana
Time: 9
p.m.
Venue: Assembly
Hall
TV: ESPN
Records: Michigan 20-1,
7-1 Big Ten; Indiana 19-2, 7-1
Michigan stat
leaders: Points – Trey Burke (17.9 ppg); Rebounds – Mitch McGary (6.0
rpg); Assists – Burke (7.1 apg); Steals – Burke (1.4 spg).
Indiana stat
leaders: Points – Cody Zeller (16.1 ppg); Rebounds – Zeller (8.2 rpg);
Assists – Kevin Ferrell (4.5 apg); Steals – Victor Oladipo (2.5 spg).
Current Streaks: Michigan W4, Indiana
W4
Point Spread: Indiana
-4.5
Prediction: This
game certainly has that “big game” feel to it, well before it even tips off.
Indiana has looked suspect at home recently and I think Michigan has the
scoring to be able to keep pace with the Hoosiers. With this game being in
Bloomington, I expect the Hoosiers to control the pace, but if Michigan can
shoot well, that shouldn’t be too much of an issue. The key for Michigan to win
is making a commitment on defense and not allowing Indiana to get too many easy
transition points. On paper, I believe Michigan is the better team. However, I
think Indiana will find a way to squeak this one out. Something tells me that
Michigan isn’t quite ready to get that marquee road win just yet, but this game
will certainly be a learning experience for them. I won’t at all be surprised
if Michigan wins, but I have to go with my gut and take the Hoosiers at home. Indiana 81, Michigan 80
I agree Indiana will prevail, because like you said, UM's not quite ready yet for the marquee road win, but think it will a lower scoring affair. Further think Aaron Craft will give Trey Burke fits with his defensive play.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteAaron Craft plays for Ohio State. You may be thinking of Victor Oladipo, who is also a tremendous defender.
Drew. No, I wasn't thinking of Oladipo -- I just flat-out got my wired crossed on that one. Oops. Maybe it comes with getting old and senile. LOL. Thing is, I'm an OP blogger too. Write the Wrath of John a few spots below your blog. Threw up a post about the Mich/Ind game and made the same bone-headed mistake about Craft -- but I could go back and change that after the light bulb finally came on -- which I did. Couldn't take back the commment I posted to you. Sorry. Like your stuff, tho. Check it out all the time.
ReplyDeleteBeen there, done that. I appreciate you reading and your kind words.
ReplyDeleteWe are not going to win,we dont have a big guy.
ReplyDelete