Bring On the Kentucky Wildcats!

Submitted by Marley Nowell on

Would have been nice to have a rematch for some revenge but I think UK might be a better matchup if only for experience reasons.  Our beloved Wolverines are practically old timers compared to all of their 1-and-dones and they won't have time to prepare for all the tricks Beilein has up his sleeve.  I think the winner of this game takes the whole thing.

 

GO BLUE!

Mitch Again

March 29th, 2014 at 1:16 AM ^

I think Kentucky is the matchup that is better for us. They're a young team, that can't shoot jump shots or threes, or guard the perimeter all that well.

814 East U

March 29th, 2014 at 1:30 AM ^

Limit turnovers and try to run as much as possible...then we can win the game even if we lose the rebounding/points in the paint. Simple as that.

Randle is an absolute monster. I was much less of a monster at 19 years old.

Qmatic

March 29th, 2014 at 1:45 AM ^

We win by atleast 10, not a doubt in my mind. I thoroughly expect a 2013 Elite 8 start for us on Sunday afternoon, and Calipari won't know what hit him. As far as matchups go I think Walton and Harisson is a push, with Levert and Stauskas having the advantage over Harrison and Young. Robinson and Randle will be a tough call, and I like Morgan vs Johnson. As far as bench goes, Spike/Irvin/Horford is better than Cauley-Stein and Poythress, and of course Beilein can coach circles around Calipari.

gwkrlghl

March 29th, 2014 at 10:18 AM ^

because they just beat two consecutive RPI Top 25 teams.

Tennessee was 1-5 against the RPI Top 50 and we managed to let them make it a game. Glad Kentucky doesn't have a lot of experience beating top teams, but that UK team seems to be gone now

steve sharik

March 29th, 2014 at 2:20 AM ^

Opponent has size advantage inside and length to contain Michigan's wings.  Opponent plays great D and will be able to slow down Michigan enough and will be able to score at will at the rim.

Keep giving us the same style and keep picking us to lose.

On another note, I have a colleague who went to UK and has been a lifelong fan.  Right before the tourney I asked him if he thought they could decide it's now time to play (a la Fab Five 1992), flip a switch, take it up to another level, and make a run.  He told me no way, they're way too stupid, and that their assist/TO ratio would doom them.  Predicted they lucked out drawing Wichita, and if they got by the Shockers, Louisville would destroy them.

I'd personally give UK a healthy dose of the 1-3-1.  TO prone true freshmen with 1 day to prepare? Sign me up.

Boom Goes the …

March 29th, 2014 at 6:21 AM ^

and get Nik some early looks with lots of off the ball screens and maybe we can jump on them.  Yes Louisville had them by the throat and we have seen a tendency to let off the gas, but I don't think we can play catch up with the Cats.  Gotta get on them early.  I think it will go down to the wire 85-80 good guys

LSAClassOf2000

March 29th, 2014 at 6:52 AM ^

Hot off the press, here are the matchup stats for our upcoming game (courtesy of TeamRankings):

Offense
Kentucky Michigan
Points/Game 75.4   74.0
Avg Score Margin +8.9   +9.2
Assists/Game 11.3   14.2
Total Rebounds/Gm 40.8   31.6
Effective FG % 49.8%   55.8%
Off Rebound % 41.5%   26.6%
FTA/FGA 0.531   0.352
Turnover % 15.0%   13.0%
Defense
Kentucky Michigan
Opp Points/Game 66.5   64.8
Opp Effective FG % 45.5%   49.1%
Off Rebounds/Gm 13.0   7.4
Def Rebounds/Gm 24.5   21.6
Blocks/Game 6.1   2.4
Steals/Game 4.8   5.2
Personal Fouls/Gm 18.5   14.2

 

maize-blue

March 29th, 2014 at 8:19 AM ^

I just glad that this game has a quick turnaround. Otherwise we'd have to hear that shitstorm of knob slobbing the media will be putting on Kentucky for a long time.

bighouse22

March 29th, 2014 at 9:09 AM ^

I like the matchup with Kentucky better than Louisville.  Kentucky is loaded with talent but they do not play defense the way that Pitino teams do.  We will have plenty of room to get our shot off and Michigan typically shoots better (if that is possible) the 2nd time they play at a venue.  

I am not saying Kentucky can't win, but I like Michigan's chances.  To me the difference will be if Michigan continues to be sloppy with the ball or do a better job of limiting their turnovers.  Should be a great game.

Go Blue!

Jobu

March 29th, 2014 at 10:13 AM ^

I have a feeling this will go similar to the Florida game last year. Kentucky will come out cocky. We punch them in their mouth, beat their ass, and watch Calipari's cheating ass cry