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Michigan Basketball: Keys for Wolverines in rematch against Michigan State

By Adam Childs

COLLEGE PARK, MD - MARCH 03: Ignas Brazdeikis #13 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a shot in the second half during a college basketball game against the Maryland Terrapins at the XFinity Center on March 3, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - MARCH 03: Ignas Brazdeikis #13 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a shot in the second half during a college basketball game against the Maryland Terrapins at the XFinity Center on March 3, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MD – MARCH 03: Bruno Fernando #23 of the Maryland Terrapins ties to dribbles around Jon Teske #15 of the Michigan Wolverines in the first half during a college basketball game at the XFinity Center on March 3, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – MARCH 03: Bruno Fernando #23 of the Maryland Terrapins ties to dribbles around Jon Teske #15 of the Michigan Wolverines in the first half during a college basketball game at the XFinity Center on March 3, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

3. Rebound

In the first game, Michigan State outrebounded Michigan 33-31, but the Wolverines had the edge on the offensive glass 12-8. For a team not known for being great at rebounding the ball especially on the offensive side, those numbers weren’t bad. They need to be a little bit better if they want to win the game on Saturday night though.

We have talked about it all year long, but Michigan has been great defensively, but they weren’t the best against the Spartans the first time. I expect them to be better this week, but in order for that to be effective, they need to keep Michigan State off the offensive glass. They can force the Spartans into tough shots and then they need to get the rebound and limit second-chance opportunities.

Michigan can’t afford to give up cheap baskets and a lot of times that comes from offensive rebounds. They also need to get after the ball on the offensive side, especially since they have not shot the ball the best lately. If Michigan can win the rebound battle they will win the game.

This is going to be a great matchup against two teams trying to get a title and keep them as a two seed for the NCAA tournament. In the first game, Michigan State used a hot first half and cold Michigan team in the second half to win the game. My guess is Michigan will learn from their mistakes and tighten up defensively and make life for Winston much harder. Even with the way the game played out Michigan was still in the game throughout. I don’t think Michigan State will shoot as well as they did in the first half and Michigan takes advantage.

Next. Final Four sleepers. dark

This is going to be a slugfest and could go either way. I just think Michigan will be better defensively and shoot better. The Wolverines come away with a big road win and a share of the Big Ten title.

Final Prediction: Michigan 74 – Michigan State 69

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