game previews
The Essentials
WHAT | Michigan v. Indiana |
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WHERE | Ann Arbor, MI |
WHEN |
4:00 PM EST February 12th, 2011 |
THE LINE | Michigan -6.5 |
TELEVISION | BTN |
If Michigan wants to make the tournament, this game is a must win. Hell, if they want to make the NIT, it's probably a must-win. Take care of business today, and you can worry about bigger goals later. Enough said.
Tempo-Free Breakdown
With a few games under each team's belt, it's finally reasonable to look at the stats. If you need an explanation of the stats, check out Ken Pomeroy.
Michigan v. Indiana: National Ranks | |||
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Category | Michigan Rank | Indiana Rank | Advantage |
Mich eFG% v. IU Def eFG% | 59 | 117 | M |
Mich Def eFG% v. IU eFG% | 179 | 40 | II |
Mich TO% v. IU Def TO% | 25 | 134 | MM |
Mich Def TO% v. IU TO% | 236 | 178 | I |
Mich OReb% v. IU DReb% | 308 | 118 | II |
Mich DReb% v. IU OReb% | 42 | 135 | M |
Mich FTR v. IU Opp FTR | 344 | 329 | I |
Mich Opp FTR v. IU FTR | 61 | 199 | MM |
Mich AdjO v. IU AdjD | 45 | 91 | M |
Mich AdjD v. IU AdjO | 76 | 56 | I |
The Wolverines are having a much better season than the Hoosiers, but the stats are nearly even. Part of that is a tougher schedule for the Wolverines. Though Michigan went down in Bloomington in embarrassing fashion, Indiana has yet to win a game on the road this season.
The Wolverines are playing some of their best ball of the season right now, whereas IU lost to Iowa last week... at home. Two of their most important contributors, Maurice Creek and Christian Watford, are injured and likely to miss today's game.
Predictions
Pomeroy likes Michigan, 68-63, but I'm a little more optimistic, especially with IU's injury situation. I think Michigan comes away with a 65-53 victory in Crisler.
Elsewhere
UMHoops and The Crimson Quarry preview the game. Inside the Hall brings a preview from IU assistant Steve McClain.
Michigan |
vs |
Iowa |
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Saturday 3:35pm ET |
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TBA | vs | TBA | ||||
Stats | Audio | TV:BTN | ||||
Notes: Michigan is 102-45 all time. Iowa is 2-1 in the tourney, 0-1 vs UM. |
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Season Series |
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2-5 |
3-5 |
Michigan lost to Minnesota 4-3 in 11 innings in one of the most thrilling Big Ten Baseball games in this writer's recent memory. The loss was pretty tough to take, but at the same time, Michigan doesn't seem to be stunned. The Wolverines will face Iowa in the loser's bracket for a chance to face Minnesota again in the Championship rounds.
Follow the jump for extremely abbreviated preview.
Michigan |
vs |
Minnesota |
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Friday 7:00pm ET |
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Bobby Brosnahan | vs | TJ Oakes | ||||
Stats | Audio | TV:BTN | ||||
Notes: Michigan is 85-86 all time. Minnesota is 1-0 in the tourney. |
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Season Series |
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7-14 |
4-5 |
2-1 |
Michigan defeated Iowa in an absolutely dominating performance, winning 18-4. With the win, Michigan moves on in the winner's bracket to face the #1 seed Minnesota Golden Gophers. For Iowa recap and a look at Minnesota, follow the jump.
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