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thewolverines24
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Michigan welcomes Long Beach State to the Crisler Center tonight (7:00 p.m., BTN-Plus) for its final test before next week?s Battle 4 Atlantis. It's Star Wars night in Crisler arena! Purchase BTN-Plus to watch Dug Vader, Oli-Wan Kenobi, Burnett Fett, Reed2-D2, TW-II, Tray Skywalker, GW-3P0, Jace Windu (injured), Tschewbacca, and Yo Yo Binks battle for intergalactic supremacy vs The Beach!
KEYS
Defensive rebounding: Michigan is ranked 289th in defensive rebounding through three games, and LBSU is yet another team that will crash the offensive glass from every angle. Michigan gave up an astounding 27 offensive rebounds against St. John?s and will focus on improving on the backboard tonight.
Transition defense: You aren?t going to stop LBSU from getting out in transition ? they are going to take quick shots regardless ? but you can force them to take difficult shots. Force tough early shots, clean up the glass and the rest of this game should largely take care of itself.
Handle defensive looks: LBSU will mix things up a bit defensively, and Michigan hasn?t faced many funky zone looks this year. The extended 1-3-1 will be a nice tribute to the early John Beilein days, as long as Michigan can handle it like a Thad Matta team ? with open corner threes and lob dunks.
BOTTOM LINE
Michigan should be well prepared for this sort of battle based on the early-season schedule. The Wolverines have been through a gauntlet of uptempo teams that like to create a bit of chaos, especially on the offensive glass. It all sets up nicely for next week?s Battle 4 Atlantis opener against Memphis.
KenPom pegs the Wolverines as 16-point favorites, projecting an 88-72 final score. Michigan has been more than willing to get into a track meet this season and tonight should be another opportunity to do just that.
GO BLUE!
KEYS
Defensive rebounding: Michigan is ranked 289th in defensive rebounding through three games, and LBSU is yet another team that will crash the offensive glass from every angle. Michigan gave up an astounding 27 offensive rebounds against St. John?s and will focus on improving on the backboard tonight.
Transition defense: You aren?t going to stop LBSU from getting out in transition ? they are going to take quick shots regardless ? but you can force them to take difficult shots. Force tough early shots, clean up the glass and the rest of this game should largely take care of itself.
Handle defensive looks: LBSU will mix things up a bit defensively, and Michigan hasn?t faced many funky zone looks this year. The extended 1-3-1 will be a nice tribute to the early John Beilein days, as long as Michigan can handle it like a Thad Matta team ? with open corner threes and lob dunks.
BOTTOM LINE
Michigan should be well prepared for this sort of battle based on the early-season schedule. The Wolverines have been through a gauntlet of uptempo teams that like to create a bit of chaos, especially on the offensive glass. It all sets up nicely for next week?s Battle 4 Atlantis opener against Memphis.
KenPom pegs the Wolverines as 16-point favorites, projecting an 88-72 final score. Michigan has been more than willing to get into a track meet this season and tonight should be another opportunity to do just that.
GO BLUE!
