Michigan Basketball is riding high into their Big Ten opener against Purdue. Can they keep up the momentum and shutdown Carsen Edwards and company and stay undefeated?
Matchup: Purdue Boilermakers(5-2) at Michigan Wolverines (7-0)
Date and time: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET
TV schedule: ESPN
Location: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
Michigan opens its Big Ten conference slate with a home game against the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday. The Wolverines have looked like a top five team so far this year in going 7-0, including wins at Villanova and home against North Carolina.
The story so far this year has been how dominant Michigan’s defense has looked. They are giving up just 51 ppg and held the nation’s top scoring offense (North Carolina) to 30 points under its average on Wednesday night. The 67 points the Tar Heels scored was the most Michigan has given up this year and they have held five of their six opponents under 60 points.
After a slow start, it looks like Michigan’s offense is starting to find itself also. They have scored in the 80’s three of their last four games after struggling in their first three games. The Wolverines have won every game by at least 17 points and have mostly coasted in the second half of games this year.
They look to slow down Carsen Edwards (25.1 ppg) and Purdue who are averaging 83.4 ppg as a team. They have lost two close games to Virginia Tech and Florida State and are trying to get back on track. They are still a very talented team and should finish in the top half of the Big Ten.
Let’s take a look at three keys for Michigan to beat Purdue on Saturday and stay undefeated.