Michigan Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Wolverines to beat Oregon

By Adam Childs | Dec 13, 2019

ANN ARBOR, MI - DECEMBER 6: Michigan Wolverines Head Coach Juwan Howard talks with the referee during the second half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Crisler Center on December 6, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Iowa 103-91. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – DECEMBER 11: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini shoots the ball against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at State Farm Center on December 11, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Contol the boards

Michigan has been hurt in their two losses because they couldn’t control the boards. It was especially true in their game Wednesday night against Illinois. The Wolverines gave up 15 offensive rebounds and were outrebounded 44-28 overall. It’s not a trend Michigan wants to continue.

The Wolverines defense is built on forcing tough shots and limiting second chances. When they do that well, they win most of their games. They control the tempo of the game and they frustrate the opposing teams.

Oregon is a pretty good shooting team from outside, but if they can force them into tough shots they need to make sure they secure the rebound. Don’t let the Ducks get offensive rebounds and second chances. When Oregon has struggled is when they don’t hit their shots from the outside, but getting offensive rebounds and put-backs got obviously offset a poor shooting night.

The Ducks aren’t a very big ream so the Wolverines need to take advantage of that and had the advantage in the rebound category. If they can reverse the trend of their losses and win that battle they have a great shot to win the game. Control the boards and control the game.

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