The Crisler Center may have no real fan noise tonight when two of the top team’s tip-off at 6 pm CST, but Ann Arbor is all in on their Big Ten leading Michigan Wolverine basketball team. This is one of those games that you wish fans were actually going to be in attendance for because Wolverine fans would have the Crisler rocking in this Big Ten showdown.
Coming into tonight’s match-up with the #9 ranked Wisconsin Badgers, Michigan is sitting pretty with a 10-0 undefeated record and a #7 ranking in the AP Top 25 polls. Wisconsin really brings in a new type of challenge for the Wolverines in Ann Arbor tonight.
Wisconsin is only one of two teams that have cradled a top 10 ranking in both adjusted offense and a defensive rating according to KenPom. No doubt Michigan has started out the year hot, so let’s dig into how these two teams will clash against each other tonight.
Wisconsin Badgers Experience
What the Badgers bring to the table in the Big 10 this season is a chance to compete in games and have a chance at a title. Wisconsin’s starting lineup consists of five seniors who have played together for a long time.
The one thing in this game that will stand out to Juwan Howard is the frontcourt duo of Micah Potter and Nate Reuvers. Not only does this duo bring in a lot of different skills all over the basketball court, but they also bring experience. I expect to see Reuvers matched up on Freshman sensation, Hunter Dickinson, who I will talk about later, and Potter matched up on Isaiah Livers.
Reuvers has the ability to move his feet very well for a 6’11 big man. He is an elite shot blocker as well, who will be able to alter a lot of Dickinson’s shot attempts.
The guard play for the Wisconsin Badgers is exceptional as well, led by D’Mitrik Trice, who averages just about 15 points a game. If tonight is anywhere near a close game, Michigan will have to look to shut Trice down. He is as clutch as it gets.
Hunter Dickinson is the Head of the Snake
The freshman, Hunter Dickinson, has come on strong for the Wolverines to start this season. Dickinson is a huge part of why Michigan sits on top of the Big Ten and also why they are 10-0 on the year. Hunter, who stands at 7’1, averages 18 points and 8 rebounds a game. The Badgers will have a tough time trying to keep the freshman off of the glass in this game.
Looking at both teams, each will want to play the inside-out game trying to get some of those easy buckets down low. Easy to say now, but tonight there will be no “easy” buckets in the painted area. That’s where the guards come in to play for each team as they will need to knock down some of those contested perimeter shots.
This matchup between Wisconsin and Michigan tonight will be a hard fought, front court shining showdown. It should be a really fun game to watch.
If you want to see some more of what I do, make sure to follow me on my Twitter, @worldofcollege1 and check out OvertimeHeroics.net for more sports updates!
Main image credit
