Michigan Basketball: Breaking down the Wolverines’ non-conference schedule

Closing stretch

Detroit vs. Michigan, December 16th (Little Caesars Arena)

As December continues to wear on, the Detroit Titans play Michigan in a neutral site game. Out of the Horizon League, Detroit went 8-23 last season. However, six of these wins came in conference play. Michigan leads the series between these two schools 23-4 and has won the past 14 meetings dating back to 1982.

Alabama A&M at Michigan, December 21st

One of the worst teams in all of college basketball last season, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs finished the year at 2-27. With that being said, there is plenty of room for improvement, and it will be good for them to get some experience against a powerhouse like Michigan.

Jacksonville at Michigan, December 30th

An above .500 team a year ago, the Jacksonville Dolphins finished in the middle of the pack in the Atlantic Sun. Jacksonville will likely not pose a major threat to Michigan in their last non-conference game, but it will be a nice final tune-up before the Big Ten play gets underway.

Next: Way-too-early Big Ten Power Rankings

Michigan is largely seen as a football school by the general public, but do not sleep on their basketball program. Beilein knows how to produce a good team and regardless of the talent they lost a season ago, it will surprise people to not see them in their March Madness bracket. This non-conference schedule is a great challege to start the season.