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thewolverines24
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MATCHUPS
Ulis ? McDaniel
Perkins ? Bufkin
Connor McCaffery ? Howard
Murray ? Williams
Rebraca ? Dickinson
The big one here is how Terrance Williams II deals with Kris Murray and, potentially more importantly, what the game looks like if Murray slides up to the five. Neither matchup is ideal for the Wolverines defensively, but Iowa doesn?t want Rebraca or Murray racking up fouls trying to contain Hunter Dickinson. And Iowa has limited options if they get in foul trouble. Keeping both players off the glass is vital because those second-chance opportunities often led to points and fouls.
KEYS
Win the foul trouble battle: Iowa and Michigan have players they can?t afford to take off the floor for foul trouble. The ability of Hunter Dickinson to establish himself on the block and draw fouls has the potential to shape this game. Dickinson excelled drawing fouls inside against Maryland and Penn State, and that has to be the gameplan in Iowa City. If he can be effective early and draw fouls, he will be even more effective as the game wears on. If he settles early and lets Murray and Rebraca get comfortable, it might be a long night defensively.
Transition defense: Iowa?s transition offense is tough to guard because the Hawkeyes don?t just run into early looks but also do a great job of flowing into early offense. Even if you stop the ball and don?t give up an immediate shot attempt in transition, you have to be ready to defend Iowa?s actions even if you are crossmatched or out of position. This is where the Hawkeyes killed Michigan early in Ann Arbor last year.
Identify and attack defensive looks: This is a massive test for Dug McDaniel to get Michigan into its actions efficiently and quickly against an Iowa defense that will throw out the kitchen sink. McDaniel has to handle the pressure and help unlock Iowa?s zone defense in short-clock scenarios. He needs to have the discipline not to force early looks after breaking the press, but also take the right opportunities when they are there.
BOTTOM LINE
Iowa is one of the more difficult teams in the league to figure out. At their best, few defenses can slow them down. At their worst, the shots aren?t falling, and the defense isn?t good enough to hold things together. Michigan should be able to score against this team, which gives it a chance, but whether the Wolverines can keep the Iowa offense in check is anyone?s guess.
KenPom pegs the Hawkeyes as 80-75 favorites, giving Michigan a 35% chance at the road upset.
GO BLUE!
MATCHUPS
Ulis ? McDaniel
Perkins ? Bufkin
Connor McCaffery ? Howard
Murray ? Williams
Rebraca ? Dickinson
The big one here is how Terrance Williams II deals with Kris Murray and, potentially more importantly, what the game looks like if Murray slides up to the five. Neither matchup is ideal for the Wolverines defensively, but Iowa doesn?t want Rebraca or Murray racking up fouls trying to contain Hunter Dickinson. And Iowa has limited options if they get in foul trouble. Keeping both players off the glass is vital because those second-chance opportunities often led to points and fouls.
KEYS
Win the foul trouble battle: Iowa and Michigan have players they can?t afford to take off the floor for foul trouble. The ability of Hunter Dickinson to establish himself on the block and draw fouls has the potential to shape this game. Dickinson excelled drawing fouls inside against Maryland and Penn State, and that has to be the gameplan in Iowa City. If he can be effective early and draw fouls, he will be even more effective as the game wears on. If he settles early and lets Murray and Rebraca get comfortable, it might be a long night defensively.
Transition defense: Iowa?s transition offense is tough to guard because the Hawkeyes don?t just run into early looks but also do a great job of flowing into early offense. Even if you stop the ball and don?t give up an immediate shot attempt in transition, you have to be ready to defend Iowa?s actions even if you are crossmatched or out of position. This is where the Hawkeyes killed Michigan early in Ann Arbor last year.
Identify and attack defensive looks: This is a massive test for Dug McDaniel to get Michigan into its actions efficiently and quickly against an Iowa defense that will throw out the kitchen sink. McDaniel has to handle the pressure and help unlock Iowa?s zone defense in short-clock scenarios. He needs to have the discipline not to force early looks after breaking the press, but also take the right opportunities when they are there.
BOTTOM LINE
Iowa is one of the more difficult teams in the league to figure out. At their best, few defenses can slow them down. At their worst, the shots aren?t falling, and the defense isn?t good enough to hold things together. Michigan should be able to score against this team, which gives it a chance, but whether the Wolverines can keep the Iowa offense in check is anyone?s guess.
KenPom pegs the Hawkeyes as 80-75 favorites, giving Michigan a 35% chance at the road upset.
GO BLUE!
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