Indiana Basketball: Keys for a road upset against Michigan in 2018-19

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 15: Indiana Hoosiers players react from the bench against the Butler Bulldogs in the second half of the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 15, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indiana won 71-68. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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BLOOMINGTON, IN – NOVEMBER 20: Langford #0 of the Hoosiers dribbles. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Control the pace offensively

Michigan is arguably the best defensive team in the entire nation. I know that might be a bold statement considering the prowess of teams such as Virginia and Texas Tech on that end of the floor but it just might be true. The Wolverines do an incredible job with rotations, closeouts, and are incredibly disciplined when it comes to defending without fouling. Michigan’s defense is centered around functioning as a unit to force offenses to work for quality shots and this has resulted in their opponents averaging 18.6 seconds per possession (347th-slowest).

In contrast, Indiana is a team that plays at a fast pace (16.1 seconds per offensive possession, 69th) and they will look to move the ball quickly and attack the basket early in each possession. In order to make this happen, though, the Hoosiers’ guards will need to play at an extremely high level. And considering head coach Archie Miller will be without Rob Phinisee for this game, that means that several others will need to step up.

If Indiana is able to push the pace offensively and find quality looks early in the shot clock, then they might be able to take Michigan out of their defensive rhythm. The only way to make this happen, though, is by getting Romeo Langford, Aljami Durham, and Devonte Green going early as scorers and playmakers.

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