Michigan basketball vs. Wisconsin: preview and predictions

Following their big-time away victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Michigan basketball has snuck back into contention for an NCAA Tournament spot. Still, the battle is far from over, as the Wolverines have three more games remaining on their schedule, including a matchup with Wisconsin later today. Here is our preview and predictions for how this game could play out.

Michigan basketball vs. Wisconsin preview

Michigan basketball is on a two-game win streak and has somehow found a way back into the NCAA Tournament conversation. How the Wolverines finish the season will play a significant role in how the committee views them and their resume.

As things stand, Michigan sits in a three-way tie for third in the Big Ten standings alongside Maryland and Illinois. Just ahead of them are Indiana, Northwestern and Purdue at the top. The Wolverines still have games remaining versus Indiana and Illinois, making these standings even more intriguing.

Conversely, Wisconsin sits in a two-way tie for 10th in the Big Ten along with Penn State. Still, don’t let this difference in standing fool you. The two teams are separated by just two games in Big Ten play and each have 16 wins on the year. While the Big Ten standings may say one thing, it’s important to remember that Wisconsin won the previous matchup between the two and will certainly be looking for the season sweep.

Players to know

• Chucky Hepburn – Hepburn is a 6’2 sophomore guard and has proven to be an absolute star in 2023. As things stand, he has averaged 12.4 points, 2.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game, all leading the team. In addition, he’s an absolute sniper from deep, hitting 43.5 percent of his threes on the year, making 2.1 per game. If the Wolverines want to get stops on defense, they must start by containing Hepburn.
• Steven Crowl – Down low, Crowl is the man to watch. On the year, he averages 11.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game, leading the team in both rebounds and blocks. Standings at 7 feet, 245 pounds, he has a big body that does not get pushed around easily. Michigan center Hunter Dickinson will need to win this matchup if he wants to help lead the Wolverines to their third straight victory.
• Connor Essegian – Essegian dominated in the Badgers’ previous with versus Michigan basketball. He ended the day with 23 points and made nine of his ten free throws. He averages 11.7 points per game throughout the season, which is good enough for second on the team. While his season average isn’t the most daunting, this freshman guard can put up big numbers whenever he sets foot on the court.

Predictions for Michigan basketball vs. Wisconsin

Surprise, surprise, Michigan basketball has yet another must-win game here. It stands even more true as this is the exact kind of game that Michigan has slept through in the past, ultimately leading them to another loss.

According to ESPN analytics, Michigan has a 68.4 percent chance of beating Wisconsin. Honestly, I can’t say I disagree with these odds. Despite Michigan losing their previous matchup earlier in February, the Wolverines have been on a roll, and home-court advantage certainly doesn’t hurt.

The only thing going against Michigan at the moment is that Jett Howard’s injury looks like it will be a game-time decision. Even if Howard is held out for another game, the Wolverines have the star power and the momentum to get through this game without facing too many issues.

Prediction: Michigan 72, Wisconsin 63

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