The University of Michigan men’s basketball team, ranked fourth, is set to commence a three-game homestand on January 20. They will face off against the Indiana Hoosiers at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This game coincides with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration and is expected to be sold out, with a scheduled tipoff at 7 p.m.
Homestand Kickoff: Wolverine Hosts Hoosiers
Michigan enters this matchup with an impressive record of 16 wins and only 1 loss, including 6 victories and 1 defeat in the Big Ten Conference. Meanwhile, Indiana, holding a record of 12 wins and 6 losses, has struggled recently, losing their last three games.
Coaching Changes and Player Performance
- Indiana’s head coach, Darian DeVries, is in his first year, having replaced Mike Woodson. DeVries previously coached at Drake and West Virginia.
- Indiana’s performance has declined; after starting the season 7-0, they have since won only 5 of their last 11 games.
The Hoosiers are known for their reliance on the three-point shot, with 50% of their field-goal attempts coming from beyond the arc. Key players include:
- Lamar Wilkerson: Averaging 19.6 points per game with 62 three-pointers made this season.
- Tucker DeVries: Contributing 14.2 points per game with 48 three-pointers.
Michigan’s Dominance This Season
Michigan has enjoyed a dominant season characterized by substantial victories, including:
- 13 wins by more than 10 points
- 10 by more than 20 points
- Six by over 40 points
The Wolverines have also triumphed over three nationally ranked opponents, underscoring their competitiveness. In their last meeting against Indiana, Michigan narrowly secured a 70-67 victory, a highlight in their compelling season.
Key Players to Watch
- Elliot Cadeau: After facing challenges earlier in the season, he rebounded with a strong performance, contributing 17 points against Oregon.
- Nimari Burnett: Achieving double figures in four of his last six games, he has improved his shooting efficiency significantly.
- Aday Mara: Leading the Big Ten with 44 blocks, he averages 16 points per game, cementing his status as a key player.
As the Wolverines gear up to host the Hoosiers, fans eagerly anticipate an exciting clash of talent and strategy on the court. The matchup promises to be a thrilling start to Michigan’s homestand.
