Michigan basketball vs. Purdue: Three keys and prediction for top-20 matchup

[ad_1]

Free Press sports writer Tony Garcia shares three quick thoughts and a prediction for No. 20 Michigan basketball’s road game at Purdue on Friday (8 p.m., Fox) in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Meeting the standard

Although the Wolverines (14-4, 6-1 Big Ten) are ahead of Purdue (15-5, 7-2) in the conference standings after the Boilermakers were upset by Ohio State on Tuesday, the coaching staff is paying its respect to the reigning conference champion, which made it all the way to the national title game a season ago.

“They’ve been the standard in the league for the last several years, so we have the utmost respect for their program,” U-M assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. said Thursday. “We know we’re gonna be going into a really hostile environment, against a really well-coached team. Coming off a loss, they’ll be really highly motivated, obviously trying to stay at the top of the league.

“We’re gonna have to play some really good basketball to give ourselves a chance.”

NO FEAR: Michigan basketball’s Tre Donaldson embracing villain role for Purdue clash

Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. goes up for a dunk in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.

Offensively, Purdue is No. 11 in efficiency (122.3), No. 18 on 3-point shooting percentage (38.4%), No. 21 in effective field goals (56.3) and No. 57 on 2-point perfentage(55.4%). Defensively, the Boilermakers are No. 26 in efficiency (96.5) and No. 31 in limiting opponents’ 3-pointers (31.1%).

It’s all because of the system they run, according to U-M head coach Dusty May.

“I think coach (Matt) Painter is one of the best coaches (in the country) in all facets,” May said Monday. “They’ve climbed the mountain, and now they’re managing to stay at the top of the mountain pretty consistently. I can’t say enough good things.”

Head of the snake

Contrary to some narratives, Purdue wasn’t only good because of two-time Wooden Award winner Zach Edey, now in the…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-basketball-vs-purdue-three-140134914.html

Author : Detroit Free Press

Publish date : 2025-01-24 14:01:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.