Michigan Basketball: 3 keys for the Wolverines against Holy Cross

By Adam Childs | Nov 9, 2018

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: The Michigan Wolverines fans cheer on their team against the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Head coach John Beilein of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Shut Down Austin Butler

In Holy Cross‘ first win against Sacred Heart, sophomore Austin Butler erupted for 26 points on 10 of 13 shooting. He went 4-5 from downtown and showed he could score from anywhere. Patrick Benzan also added 19 points, but it was Butler that the Crusaders worked their offense through. He has good size at 6’5″, so he could be a matchup problem for Simpson who has been Michigan’s best defender.

Simpson may still be the guy tasked with guarding him, but Matthews will probably be on him more because of his size. Matthews has shown a commitment to defense and could give Butler headaches and make it tough for him to get open.

The Wolverines need to make sure he does not get hot early because that will allow Holy Cross to hang around Michigan and think they can pull off the upset. On the flip side, if Matthews and company can shut him down and contest his shots, the Wolverines could jump out early and put the Crusaders away.

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