2017 NCAA Tournament: Michigan vs. Oklahoma State preview, prediction, TV schedule
Michigan will take on Oklahoma State in what is expected to be a high-scoring 2017 NCAA Tournament showdown.
TV Schedule: Friday, Mar. 17, 12:15 p.m. ET, CBS
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Prediction: Michigan 90, Oklahoma State 87
If you like offense, this is the game for you.
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Both Michigan and Oklahoma State are high scoring teams that rely heavily on their guards and their three point shooting.
The Wolverines are coming into the NCAA Tournament as one of the hottest teams in the nation thanks to their surprising run through the Big Ten Tournament. After the Wolverines’ had a plane accident on the runway on Tuesday of last week, John Beilein’s team won four games in four days, including beating Illinois with practice jerseys just hours after arriving in Washington D.C.
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Michigan went 24-11 overall and 10-8 in the Big Ten and only finished behind Purdue, Maryland, Wisconsin, and Minnesota in the conference standings.
The reason for the Wolverines’ hot streak: Derrick Walton Jr.’s improved play, Zak Irvin’s newfound efficiency and their increased intensity defensively.
Walton is an elite senior point guard who is finally healthy after battling foot issues over the last couple of seasons. His ability to make shots from the perimeter while also getting his teammates involved is a critical factor in the Wolverines’ offensive flow.
Irvin, who had a major slump at the beginning and middle of conference play, has turned things around as of late. He’s scored in double figures in six straight games and is playing with a much higher efficiency level.
Finally, the Wolverines’ defensive energy has been impressive, to say the least. Under Beilein, the Michigan program has never really been known for their defense, so this recent turnaround is what could lead Michigan on a long NCAA Tournament run.
On the Cowboys’ side, Brad Underwood led the program to the Big Dance in his first year on the job. But while Michigan is steaming hot, Oklahoma State is just as talented and skilled offensively.
With future pro Jawun Evans at point guard, veteran Phil Forte at shooting guard, and one of the most improved player in the country, Jeffery Carroll, on the wing, Oklahoma State has a big three that can hurt any team in the country on the offensive end of the floor. The Cowboys love to increase the pace of the game, using Evans speed, prowess in pick-and-roll and skills in transition to change the outcome of the game.
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This match-up will likely come down to the final seconds but I’ll take Michigan’s experience and momentum over the Cowboys. Evans is terrific, however, I believe Walton will outplay the sophomore.