Michigan Basketball: 3 keys for the Wolverines against North Carolina

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VILLANOVA, PA – NOVEMBER 14: Adrien Nunez #5, Isaiah Livers #4, Zavier Simpson #3, Charles Matthews #1, and Ignas Brazdeikis #13 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate their win against the Villanova Wildcats in the final second of the game at Finneran Pavilion on November 14, 2018 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Michigan defeated Villanova 73-46. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Michigan Basketball has looked like one of the best teams in the country to start the year. But now they face 11th ranked North Carolina in a rematch of lasts years Big Ten/ACC Challenge game. Can the Wolverines lock down the Tar Heels and get another signature win?

Matchup: North Carolina Tar Heels (5-1) at Michigan Wolverines (6-0)

Date and time: Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 9:30 p.m. ET

TV schedule: ESPN

Location: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI

Jon Beilein is one of the best coaches in the country and even he has to be surprised at how well the Wolverines have started off their season. They lost three top players from last year, including their top scorer in Moe Wagner, but yet they have picked up right where they left off last year.

The defense has been a key reason why. They are the top scoring defense in the country right now, giving up only 48.3 points per game. They have won every game by at least 19 points and the most points they gave up was 61 to George Washington in which they lead by as many 36 points in the second half. The defense has carried the Wolverines so far this year and the biggest takeaway so far is that they are shutting down everybody.

That included a 27 point blow out win at Villanova. The Wildcats may be down but the Wolverines just completely controlled the whole game and never let Villanova have a chance. Michigan has shown a commitment to defense and it has shown. They look capable of shutting down anybody this year and that is a scary thought.

The nation will get to see on Wednesday night just how good they are on defense as they take on North Carolina. The Tar Heels did lose last week to Texas but have looked like an elite offensive team. Led by senior Cameron Johnson (16.4 ppg), freshman Coby White (15.7 ppg), and preseason All-American Luke Maye (14.4 ppg) the Tar Heels have a lethal trio that can beat you in many ways.

Can the Wolverines defense step up and slow another team? We take a look at that and other keys for Michigan to get the win on Wednesday.

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