There are very few chances for Big Ten teams to get signature wins for their tournament resumes. Purdue is one of them, but can Michigan get the win?
TV schedule: Tuesday, 9:00 p.m. ET. ESPN
Arena: Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI.
The Big Ten conference has been underwhelming from top to bottom, with only two ranked teams right now. The league’s overall perception took another hit with top-ranked Michigan State Spartans losing to Ohio State on Sunday afternoon.
That leaves a team like Michigan 14-3 (3-1) able to potentially make a move in the conference standings. After losing on the road to Ohio State themselves, the Wolverines have won seven straight, including a pair of conference wins over Iowa and Illinois.
Michigan was a balanced attack in the win over the Illini, with six different players reaching double figures. Usually, though, it’s two players who normally lead the team in scoring in Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews (15.6 ppg) and forward Moritz Wagner (14.1 ppg and 7.2 rpg).
While Jon Beilein’s teams have traditionally been about offense, it’s the defense that’s been carrying them. The Wolverines are ranked in the top-25 in both scoring defense and defensive rating, making this team a balanced threat.
As balanced as Michigan appears to be, that team is not on the level as Purdue 14-2 (4-0), ranked in the top-25 in all categories. Sophomore Carsen Edwards leads the team in scoring at 16.8 ppg, but three seniors score over 13 ppg as well, including 7’2″ center Isaac Haas. Dakota Mathias and Vince Edwards make up the core of the team.
The Boilermakers have won 11 straight games, including taking care of Nebraska and Rutgers, two teams likely to finish in the bottom of the conference.
Last season, Purdue lost both games with Michigan, one in the regular season and the other in the conference tournament that the Wolverines won in a historic run. There will be two games this time around, with the rematch coming later this month on the 25th.
Next: Big Ten Power Rankings (Week 8)
One thing to look for in this game will be how Wagner and Haas guard each other, with both having the advantage on the offensive end. The winner of that battle could lead to the win for their team. The Big Ten has been upside down so far, so why not keep it unpredictable, with the Wolverines pulling off the upset.
Prediction: Purdue 73 – Michigan 75