Mini-Preview & Open Thread: Indiana
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.
February 12th, 2011 at 6:55 PM ^
I'm fine with the game because the team won. If this team doesn't make the NCAA tournament (which is my guess), it will be because of the 6-game losing streak in the middle of the season (including those blowout losses to IU and NW) and not being able to pull a big upset against OSU, Syracuse, or Kansas.
I love this team, and would be happy with an NIT bid after last year.
February 12th, 2011 at 11:52 PM ^
MY NAME IS A2MIKE AND I NEG THIS FANTASTICALLY LOGICAL AND SOUNDLY-REASONED POST. BE MORE NEGATIVE LIKE ME, IT'S FUN.
February 13th, 2011 at 8:15 AM ^
but I like how my small critiques get negged, like if we don't learn how to close out games it will cost us a game and possibly a shot at the tourney. whatever.
February 12th, 2011 at 11:50 PM ^
Nope. It's a win, and shows up as a win in the record books. The team made some mistakes and had mental lapses, but guess what, they kicked ass to get that 20 point lead.
Also, Michigan did close out the game because, well, they won.
February 12th, 2011 at 6:37 PM ^
Suicide, freethrows, suicide, freethrows, suicide, layup drills. Then freethrows, and finish with a few more suicides.
February 12th, 2011 at 8:57 PM ^
IU' ass today. If what you came away with was negatives, it is because you are not taking the whole product at face value. The end was not pretty, but bottom line, Hoosiers were disposed of in short order, M looking good, one win away from square on the bubble.
Go Blue.
Comments