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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: Caleb Green #0 of the Holy Cross Crusaders drives the ball to the basket as Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines defends during the second half of the game 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: Caleb Green #0 of the Holy Cross Crusaders drives the ball to the basket as Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines defends during the second half of the game at Crisler Center on November 10, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Holy Cross Crusaders 56-37. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Protect the outside

It was no secret last year that Villanova shot a lot of three’s and they made a lot. That seems to be the same game plan for them this year. In their first two games this year they have shot 37 and 32 threes respectively. They have made 24 of them for a 35% clip. Their offense revolves around shooting a lot of threes and stretching the defense and then attacking inside when it opens up.

Michigan did a good job of shutting down everyone not named DiVincenzo from outside last year. Unfortunately for them, DiVincenzo went 5-7 from outside to break the back of the Wolverines.

Michigan has done a great job contesting most shots this year, and they will need to continue to do that against the Wildcats on Wednesday. Villanova will probably not beat the Wolverines inside, so they need to limit how man threes the Wildcats make. If they can keep them from getting hot from the outside they should have a great chance to win this game.

Villanova has set up their offense to get guys open from the outside. So look for Beilein to have his defense switching a lot and Teske, in turn, must do a good job of pushing the ball handler further from the basket to disrupt their offense. Michigan has shown the capability to limit them, they just must do it for a full game.

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