3 Keys and a Prediction for Michigan Basketball vs. Arkansas
What a difference one season makes for Michigan basketball. What a difference Dusty May has made.
After a 2-0 start in Big Ten play and an 8-1 record overall, the Wolverines are ranked in the AP poll this week (14th) for the first time since 2022.
On Tuesday night, in Madison Square Garden, another test awaits as John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks prepare for an intriguing non-conference matchup.
It’s another opportunity for what could be a quad-1 win for Michigan basketball. Arkansas currently sits at 45th in the Kenpom rankings, while U-M is 22nd, boasting the 11th-ranked defense, though they dropped six spots after Iowa scored 83 points against them.
As is customary with a Calipari team, Arkansas is loaded with talent. McDonald’s All-American Boogie Fland, contributing 15 points per game and 5.2 assists, has lived up to expectations. Former Kentucky transfer Adou Thiero is also making waves, averaging 18.6 points per game. Though Johnell Davis isn’t scoring as much as he did under May, he remains a 3-point threat and playmaker. Additionally, Zyonimir Ivisic provides a significant presence, scoring 12 points per game as a 7-foot-2 big man.
There will be some intriguing matchups at play. Here are three keys—and a prediction for Michigan basketball against Arkansas.
Key 1: Defensive Performance
Both teams boast strong defensive numbers; however, Arkansas has allowed more than a point per possession in each of their three games against high-major opponents. Illinois notably made 15 3-pointers and averaged 1.19 points-per-possession against them.
Key 2: Turnovers
Arkansas forces around 15 turnovers per game, and Michigan basketball fans know this is a statistic that can play a pivotal role. While the Wolverines are also forcing 15 turnovers per game, they must address their own turnover issues, as they have been giving the ball away at an alarming rate.
Key 3: Matchup Challenges
Adou Thiero is a 6-foot-7 forward who can present challenges for Danny Wolf. While Wolf has become a focal point of the offense in creating for teammates, this focus has also translated to a high volume of turnovers. It’s essential to recognize that this issue isn’t solely Wolf’s; Roddy Gayle struggled with four turnovers against Iowa. Averaging 15 turnovers per game cannot be attributed to just one player, and staying under this number will be crucial tonight.
If Michigan can maintain their turnovers under control, they will have a strong opportunity to secure a victory against Arkansas.
In conclusion, with a focus on strong defensive performance, minimizing turnovers, and managing challenging matchups, Michigan basketball has the potential to come out on top in what promises to be an exciting clash against the Razorbacks.
