Texas Tech vs. Michigan: 3 key storylines for Sweet 16 matchup
3. Which role players steps up the most
Games like this where there aren’t expected to be lots of scoring is begging for unsung heroes to emerge. And both teams have multiple candidates to take that job. For Michigan, Zavier Simpson has 19 assists so far in the NCAA Tournament and Jordan Poole is coming off a game-high 19 points in the win over Florida. Big man Jon Teske has quietly developed into one of the best defensive big men in the country. Then there’s freshman Ignas Brazdeikis, who leads the team in scoring on the season. He’s shot 6-18 from the field in the first two games but could erupt just as easily going forward.
Texas Tech is built similarly, with senior Tariq Owens manning the paint. Matt Mooney and Davide Moretti are both great shooters who can get hot at any time. And Brandone Francis and Deshawn Corprew are both difficult matchups for any opponent. The Red Raiders have a collective athletic advantage which will held them down low. But the Wolverines could rough them up from the perimeter with their size disparity.
Next. Top Sweet 16 storylines. dark
Texas Tech likes to draw fouls but Michigan doesn’t like to foul. However, if Matthews gets into foul trouble for the Wolverines, that could open things up. It’s overall an even battle from all positions, data points and styles of play. In a game where neither team will likely get a double-digit lead, it’ll come down to whoever can withstand the other’s pressure for 40 – or longer minutes.