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Michigan Basketball: 3 keys for the Wolverines against Villanova

By Adam Childs

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)
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) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 10: Michigan Wolverines Head Basketball Coach John Beilein shouts out instructions during the second half of the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at Crisler Center on November 10, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Holy Cross Crusaders 56-37. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 10: Michigan Wolverines Head Basketball Coach John Beilein shouts out instructions during the second half of the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at Crisler Center on November 10, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Holy Cross Crusaders 56-37. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Ignas Brazdeikis is the X-Factor

When Charles Matthews came back this year, everyone knew he would be the main scorer for the Wolverines and he is very capable of doing that. But he can not do it on his own. Jordan Poole looked like the natural person to take on the side-kick role and even Jon Teske looked poised to start scoring down low. They still might become that type of player but Brazdeikis showed in the second half that he could be the guy Michigan needs to compliment Matthews.

Brazdeikis went off in the second half and showed the potential Beilein saw him in him when he recruited him out of Canada. He shot 5-9 from the field and 8-8 from the foul line, showing that he can not only get to the rim but can hit his free throws.

Villanova will definitely be looking to shut him down, especially after watching his second-half performance. Brazdeikis has good size, 6’7″, but so does the Wildcats. It will be tougher for him to get to the rim, but if he can it will be good for Michigan’s chances for the upset.

Brazdeikis has shown he can shoot from the outside some and he may need to hit a few to stretch the defense and allow him to beat his guy off the dribble. He showed his breakout potential and this will be his first big-time game. Can he keep it going and help the Wolverines to the big road win?

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