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Michigan Basketball: Wolverines getting too much pre-March Madness love?

By Carmine Carcieri

Feb 25, 2017; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Moritz Wagner (13) celebrates after he makes a three point basket in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Moritz Wagner (13) celebrates after he makes a three point basket in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan basketball has won five of six, but are they cut out for a long run in March?

John Beilein’s Michigan Wolverines are tied for sixth place in the Big Ten standings with Northwestern and secured with two home victories against Wisconsin and Purdue in recent weeks. The Wolverines have won five of six overall with their lone loss coming in The Barn versus a similarly red-hot Minnesota Golden Gophers team.

Related Story: Wolverines dominate Spartans Ann Arbor

But does this recent success warrant top 25 consideration? Can Michigan make a long run in the NCAA Tournament?

The Wolverines have received high praise on Twitter the last couple of days — Seth Davis had Michigan at No. 18 in his most recent poll and others have the Wolverines as a team that could do serious damage in March Madness.

I can see why people are high on the Wolverines given their wins over the two top teams in the Big Ten but did everyone forget their rough outing at Rutgers when they missed 21 threes and nine free throws? Or what about their losses to Iowa and Ohio State at home?

Michigan has an explosive offense and a much-improved defense, but they are 374th in the nation in rebounding and Zak Irvin has struggled with his efficiency throughout the majority of Big Ten play.

Also, in Joe Lunardi’s recent Bracketology, Michigan is projected as a number eight seed, playing VCU in the first round and the North Carolina Tar Heels (if they win) in the second round. While a lot can change between now and Selection Sunday, the NCAA Tournament Committee has already made it known that they aren’t high on the Big Ten. That means that barring Michigan winning their last two games and potentially making a run in the conference tournament, the Wolverines will be stuck between the 7-to-10 range, creating a difficult road to reach the second weekend.

Next: Five things we learned from the weekend

The Wolverines have the experience, guard play, coaching and emerging bigs (D.J. Wilson and Moritz Wagner). However, a team with a powerful experienced front court and an aggressive defense could cause them loads of problems, especially at a neutral site.

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