Michigan vs. No. 19 Kentucky Preview: Seeking some answers overseas

Maybe it was an ethical victory, however the Michigan Wolverines wound up falling brief towards No. 3 Virginia on Tuesday in what can solely be described as an enormous missed alternative. The character of faculty basketball permits for early-season losses, however the Wolverines let a stable resume piece slip by their fingers within the second half.

To attempt to neglect about this collapse, Michigan travels throughout the pond to face the Kentucky Wildcats in London. That is the second of three huge matchups within the non-conference slate, so a win on Sunday appears much more vital now to ensure the Wolverines can at the very least seize one stable victory this fall.

This home-home-and-London collection was a cool concept, however it sadly comes on the worst attainable time as Sunday’s tip is about only one hour earlier than England and Harry Kane (COYS!) face Senegal within the Spherical of 16. What might need been a singular ambiance might find yourself a bit lighter due to the timing. Ought to nonetheless be one for viewers within the States although!

Michigan Wolverines (5-2) vs. No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats (5-2)

Date & Time: Sunday, Dec. 4, 1:00 p.m.
Location: O2 Area, London, England
TV/Streaming: ABC

Searching for a 3rd musketeer

Hunter Dickinson and Jett Howard have each had a pair minor bumps on the younger season, however at this level it’s clear that these two NBA-caliber gamers are the core of this group. Dickinson’s 23 factors (on 53 p.c taking pictures) and 5 (!!) blocks towards Virginia was a chief instance of a celebrity exhibiting up towards high competitors, and Michigan wants him to repeat this towards the Wildcats.

In the meantime, Howard is clearly the actual deal. The freshman is averaging 15.1 PPG and has reached double digits all however as soon as. Howard’s emergence has been important for the Wolverines, as nobody else on the roster has been near constant. Kobe Bufkin might be the third-best choice proper now, however he’s positively a step down from the 2 cornerstones.

Kentucky has stable defensive numbers this season, however a lot of that has come from wins towards a lot lesser competitors. Each Gonzaga and Michigan State scored over a degree per possession, and whereas these groups could be working a bit higher than the Wolverines proper now, Tuesday’s efficiency towards a stable Virginia squad ought to present some optimism.

On the entire, Kenpom has this as a top-10 protection, so somebody goes to need to step up for the Wolverines in London beside the aforementioned duo. Bufkin is an apparent candidate to maintain progressing, however Jaelin Llewellyn and Terrance Williams’s flaws and hesitations have been very regarding in Tuesday’s defeat. Each starters want to search out methods to contribute extra considerably, even when their photographs should not falling.

Disciplined protection

The Wildcats are practically as harmful on offense, headlined by Naismith winner Oscar Tshiebwe. Whereas the large man remains to be getting in control following a knee damage, he has proven up when it issues most, posting 22 factors towards Gonzaga and 20 towards the Spartans. He and Dickinson will likely be going at it on each ends of the ground.

This isn’t a group that usually shoots lights-out, however one participant to observe is Antonio Reeves, who has been a weapon from deep however considerably gentle contained in the arc. The Illinois State switch has been deadly from three (47 p.c) and goes to be a tricky matchup on the wing.

Kentucky does an amazing job caring for the ball, and Michigan historically doesn’t pressure a ton of turnovers, so the protection must discover a technique to defend the rim and seize the rebounds like towards Virginia. The Wildcats prefer to play quick, so good fundamentals and communication on protection will likely be as vital as ever. It looks like this recreation might have a component on chaos, so sensible play might turn into a wanted benefit for the Wolverines.