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 11:50 AM ^
This is a game we should win, especially being at home. I might sound dumb or whatever, but there is still a slim chance we make the big one. We will have to pull out some upsets down on the road, but I'm still optimistic.
February 12th, 2011 at 12:21 PM ^
February 12th, 2011 at 2:19 PM ^
The 2009 team was exactly 16-10 and 6-7 in conference after 26 games.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:07 PM ^
That team also had wins against #4 UCLA and #4 Duke
February 12th, 2011 at 4:29 PM ^
February 12th, 2011 at 4:47 PM ^
Our "signature" wins are 17-8 Clemson team, which is good, but a 14-10 MSU team
February 12th, 2011 at 5:17 PM ^
They have overachieved for most Mblogers, I know most of u are in college studin your azz off to run the planet, but, we are alonnnnnnng way away.
February 12th, 2011 at 12:24 PM ^
The team's confidence is high and Beilein should have us ready, the kids want revenge for their worst performance of the year...let's get this win and then we can truly begin the speculation for what it will take these last 5 conference games to get us in.
February 12th, 2011 at 1:36 PM ^
I'm probably more optimistic than most, but I think M has a good shot at the dance considering the remaining schedule and recent level of play. I believe that this team has a chance to have a bid all but locked before the B1G tourny.
IMO this is what needs to happen.
Win today v. IU
Win @ Iowa
Then win two of the final 3 against Wiscy, Minn, and MSU. I'm writing off the Ill game, just because that is such a tough place to play, but anything is possible.
I really think .500 in the B1G is an automatic ticket to the dance, and I'm already polishing my dancing shoes.
February 12th, 2011 at 3:34 PM ^
The team is a lot better now than they were at the beginning of the season. It would have been nice if we had this team in some of the early losses, like UTEP.
February 12th, 2011 at 5:07 PM ^
Sadly we are" that" team that has to say that!
February 12th, 2011 at 6:34 PM ^
Whatever though, we are the youngest team in the B10. If this were a team of upperclassmen, it wouldn't be a valid excuse.
February 12th, 2011 at 5:08 PM ^
I'm a little more pessimistic.
I've seen this hype before, and this team has shown us that they can implode upon themselves and forget how to play basketball.
So, I'm not getting my dancing shoes out yet, but I've got that hankering for another dance.
In the meantime, I'll be screaming my head off in support of the team's efforts to get there!
GO BLUE!
February 12th, 2011 at 6:20 PM ^
Like the last ten minutes of the game? Just complete implosion. Luckily they held on.
February 12th, 2011 at 8:41 PM ^
Yeah, I was screaming my head off, but for the wrong reasons.
Unfortunately, the team did made my point.
But they won, and that's one more win closer!
also thank you badgers.
February 12th, 2011 at 5:10 PM ^
When can we talk about that?
February 12th, 2011 at 5:13 PM ^
Too soon.
February 12th, 2011 at 2:54 PM ^
If Michigan makes either it will be a nice reward and good experience for these young players. Any word on todays game being sold out?
February 12th, 2011 at 3:01 PM ^
This team is as pleasant of a surprise as last year's was unpleasant.
No reason we cant get to the dance.....no reason at all!
February 12th, 2011 at 3:22 PM ^
does anyone know where this game can be watched live other then on tv?
February 12th, 2011 at 3:37 PM ^
Crisler Arena
February 12th, 2011 at 4:01 PM ^
you should be. 4 minutes left and they are up 62-55. ESPN. Great game - Wisky was down 15 at one point to the buckeyes.
EDIIT - WOOOOOOOO!!! buckeyes lose!!!!!!!!!
February 12th, 2011 at 5:00 PM ^
I'm glad that the Buckeyes finally lost but I'm more excited about the fact that Tim Doyle now has to shave that pubic hair off of his face.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:02 PM ^
Wisconsin pulls out the win, OSU had a complete meltdown after being up 15
February 12th, 2011 at 4:05 PM ^
Watford will be coming off the bench
February 12th, 2011 at 4:08 PM ^
No BTN :(
February 12th, 2011 at 4:33 PM ^
It is soooo much better than justin.tv or ustream or whatever else I've used.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:34 PM ^
thats why its my go to site..... u should always check the site even if the games are labeled differently .... sometimes it takes them a bit to change the name to the right game
February 12th, 2011 at 5:29 PM ^
This stream has been shut down to the public.
Anyone know of others?
February 12th, 2011 at 4:12 PM ^
I can't watch it on tv, so does anybody have a stream online I could watch it... help please?
February 12th, 2011 at 4:13 PM ^
I don't know if I'm watching the right team. All they're doing is trying to drive to the basket and run an offense inside the arc.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:41 PM ^
They're winning. I'll take it.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:15 PM ^
thats the second time oladipo has stolen the ball from Hardaway
February 12th, 2011 at 4:22 PM ^
February 12th, 2011 at 4:27 PM ^
Was anyone else annoyed when the announcers said that the wolverine was the world's largest rodent? We're not the Michigan capybaras damn it.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:30 PM ^
I grew up in Milwaukee when the city was all into Tom Crean's Marquette. He was a hotl coach back then? Any thoughts on why -- as of yet -- he hasn't been able to turn that program around?
February 12th, 2011 at 4:48 PM ^
IU had a bunch of problems when Crean was hired. With that being said, I was a Marquette student during the DWade days, and I still think much of Crean's success was predicated on having a player like DWade. At this point, I'm not sure how good of a coach Crean really is.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:37 PM ^
Indiana needs to face the facts, they are no longer a powerhouse in the Big Ten and their superstar coach from a small school isn't working. They're are in the bottom of the B1G Ten and need to move on. Yes, they beat Illinois and others but com'on its Indiana Basketball.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:52 PM ^
Jeremiah Rivers getting all upset.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:49 PM ^
If we could make a free throw we would be killing these guys.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:49 PM ^
I mean Stu just airballed a free-throw.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:52 PM ^
Feels like a crappy first half, yet we have a 10 point lead
February 12th, 2011 at 4:52 PM ^
How does Morris get a techinical???
P.S. MAN, Jeremiah Rivers is one ugly dude.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:54 PM ^
Morris definitely said something.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:55 PM ^
He probably said man you are one ugly dude.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:54 PM ^
We stopped making free throws and couldn't pull away and now we can't make a basket. Starting to get a little nervous.
February 12th, 2011 at 4:57 PM ^
You could build a house with all the layups Michigan has missed thus far. A few of those and even half of the missed FTs and this is a 15 point ballgame.
I'm sure this will not be lost on JB at the half. Poor offensive rhythm for the last seven minutes and some awful FT shooting.
Stu, how can you airball a freebie?!
February 12th, 2011 at 4:59 PM ^
Who is Tim and why does his mustache look so absurd?
Also Michigan had "done a complete 180" from the time they lost but also "needs to start playing better basketball.
The award for overstating the case in both directions within one minute goes to the guy on the left.
February 12th, 2011 at 5:05 PM ^
Apparently Doyle said he would grow out his mustache until OSU lost.
So, looks like he'll shaving off that sad-as-hell caterpillar.
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