game previews

The Essentials

WHAT Michigan v. Indiana
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
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.

 should have won 

Brosnahan Dealing

Photo by
MGoBlue.com

Michigan

(35-21, 15-11)

vs

Iowa

(29-27, 15-12)

Saturday 3:35pm ET

Bill Davis Stadium

Columbus, OH

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.

Season Series

2-5

3-5

 

7-5

18-4

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.

 nick uban goes kayak 

Nick Urban, Going Yard.

Photo by
MGoBlue.com

Michigan

(35-20, 15-10)

vs

Minnesota

(28-28, 16-9)

Friday 7:00pm ET

Bill Davis Stadium

Columbus, OH

Bobby Brosnahan vs TJ Oakes
Stats Audio   TV:BTN  
Notes: Michigan is 85-86 all time.

Minnesota is 1-0 in the tourney.

Season Series

Minnesota Recap

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.