Michigan Basketball: 3 keys for the Wolverines against Norfolk State

By Adam Childs | Nov 5, 2018

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines drives to the basket against Marques Townes #5 of the Loyola Ramblers in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 02: Duncan Robinson /

2. Shoot well from outside

It’s no secret that Michigan’s offense revolves around the three ball. Beilein recruits guys to shoot the three and that can stretch the defense. This team might have fewer pure shooters than before but they can still hit threes.

Jordan Poole has been great from outside and Isaiah Livers shot well when he was out on the court last year. Matthews is not the greatest outside shooter but has the capability of getting hot. If they can get going early it will open Teske inside and opens up the pick and roll that Beilein loves to run. But if they do not shoot well, the defense can collapse more and shut that down.

The Wolverines did just shoot only 11 three-pointers in their exhibition game against Northwood on Friday and that could be because they didn’t need to. If Michigan can get hot from outside, though, they could put away the Spartans early and get a lot of guys some playing time.

Michigan probably doesn’t need to win this game from the outside, but it would help them for future games if they shoot well. It says a lot about Michigan if they can win without the three but with most teams being bigger inside, the Wolverines will need to continue to shoot well.

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