Michigan basketball facing crucial four-game stretch

It took Michigan basketball fans only a short time to see flaws in the Wolverines’ 2022-23 season. Off the bat — just five games into the young season — Arizona State gave Michigan an ugly thrashing; since then, things have not gotten much better.

Michigan’s loss at Arizona State was the start of a 6-5 non-conference record. Still, the Wolverines somehow bounced back when Big Ten play started and now sit just one game behind Rutgers (2nd place) in the conference standings.

Michigan’s 5-3 conference record has looked ugly at times; however, at the end of the day, all that matters are the wins and losses. The Wolverines will host No. 1 Purdue this Thursday to kick off a crucial four-game stretch that will define the 2022-23 Michigan basketball season.

Michigan’s next four games are essential

Over the next two weeks, Michigan basketball will face four solid Big Ten teams: No. 1 Purdue, Northwestern, Penn State, and Ohio State. Over this stretch, the Wolverines will need at least 2-3 wins to keep their season alive.

As we saw last year — a year that a 17-14 Michigan team snuck into March Madness and made a Sweet 16 run — the Wolverines can get in just above .500. Still, this year’s team has a Quadrant 4 loss (Central Michigan) and lacks the Quad 1 wins necessary to squeak by.

The good news for Michigan basketball

The good news for Michigan basketball? It’s only January, and the Wolverines have plenty of time to get back on track. U-M is outside the NCAA tournament picture; however, nine of Michigan’s final 12 opponents are Quad 1 teams.

This means that, as long as the Wolverines can start getting in the win column more often than not, Michigan has a good chance of raking in some quality wins.

Of Michigan’s next four games, Purdue is its only ranked opponent. Additionally, Ohio State and Penn State have been struggling as of late, though the Nittany Lions are on fire at home, and Michigan must now make the trip to State College after beating Penn State, 79-69, at home.

Why are the next four games so important?

Michigan’s next four games are essential because they will largely influence how the remainder of the season goes for the Wolverines. If Michigan basketball manages to walk away with three or more wins, we could see a huge turning point in the Wolverines’ season.

I have bad news for Michigan basketball fans if Michigan walks with a 2-2 (or worse) record over this stretch. Seeing as the Wolverines need some help getting into the tournament picture, these next four games are crucial. After the Northwestern road trip, Michigan will turn the page from January to February as tournament time creeps closer.

Only two ranked teams remain on Michigan’s schedule: Purdue (home) and the 23rd-ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Michigan will face six road opponents and six home opponents the rest of the way. If the Wolverines want to see meaningful post-season play, the time is now to string together some quality wins.

Michigan basketball is set to host No. 1 Purdue on Thursday, January 27th. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM (EST) on Fox Sports 1 at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI.

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