1st Post! Michigan vs. Wisconsin Pre-game

Michigan Basketball vs. Wisconsin
2/6/10 4:00 PM
TV: CBS Radio: 950AM and 1050 AM

The last time these two teams met Michigan led for the first 36 minutes of the game before Wisconsin tied it up and pulled away at the end. Wisconsin ended up winning by a score of 54-48 due largely to Michigan's poor shooting.

Even though Michigan led throughout most of the game they did not play well on offense. Once again the entire team struggled to shoot the ball resulting in a 36.2% Total FG%. The Wolverines did play good defense, though, forcing Wisconsin to an even lower shooting percentage (34%) Unfortnately, Trevon Hughes took over at end leading Wisconsin to a 6 point victory.

The loss at Madison showed many of the flaws which have hurt Michigan throughout the season such as poor shooting and lack of leadership. Wisconsin's leaders took over late in the game and Michigan had no one to step up and this proved to be the difference in the game.

Michigan did show they could play with Wisconsin in the last game though. Wisconsin doesn't do anything amazingly well but they seem to always be very well coached and excel at doing the small things. Even in the absence of Jon Leuer they have found ways to win. The loss of Leuer has forced them to play a smaller lineup which is favorable to Michigan. If Michigan can use this to their advantage and find a way to make just a few more shots they should have a good chance in this one.

3 Keys to the game:

1. Size: This is one game where Michigan matchups up well with the smaller Wisconsin lineup. Deshawn Sims needs to have a big game inside and Michigan should look for him early and often.
2. Stop Trevon Hughes: Hughes really hurt Michigan at the end of the last game and end up with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block. Michigan needs one of their gaurds to step up and make shure he does not take over the game once again.
3. Shooting: This has been a problem for the Wolverines throughout the season and at this point it is clear that they are not a very good shooting team. If a couple of guys can come out hot and they shoot around 33% from 3 point range they should have a good chance.

Projected Starting Lineups

           Michigan                                                 Wisconsin

G #31 L. Lucas-Perry 6'3" 185                   G T. Hughes 6' 183  

G #1 S. Douglass 6'3" 185                          G J. Taylor 6'1" 195

G #3 M. Harris 6' 5" 185                            G J. Bohannon 6'2" 198

F #0 Z. Novak 6'5" 210                               F T. Jarmusz 6'6" 210

F #34 D. Sims 6'8" 235                               F K. Nankivil 6'8" 240

Michigan Game Notes                                Wisconsin Game Notes