Preview: Michigan MBB takes on Arkansas in Jimmy V Classic

The first month of men’s basketball put No. 14 Michigan (8-1, 2-0 Big Ten) back in the spotlight. With wins over No. 22 Xavier and No. 11 Wisconsin, the Wolverines proved they have what’s necessary to compete with the best – defense and shooting. On Tuesday night, Michigan squares up with Arkansas (7-2) under the lights of Madison Square Garden in New York City at 9 p.m. on ESPN. 

Dusty May hasn’t been the head coach at Michigan for a full year, yet he’s led a team mostly made up of transfers into the top 15 within the first ten games. Razorbacks head coach John Calipari had his team ranked 16th in the preseason AP poll, but they’ve struggled out of the gates. Calipari left Kentucky last spring after going 410-123 over 15 seasons, including a national championship in 2012. 

Scouting Arkansas 

Arkansas lost to No. 8 Baylor (now unranked) 72-67, and Illinois 90-77. The Razorbacks have three players averaging at least 12 points led by forward Adou Thiero (18.6 ppg). Thiero is a strong finisher at the rim and finds himself in the right place at the right time more often than not. He also leads Arkansas in rebounds per game (6.1) and steals per game (2.2). 

The Razorbacks have a seven footer in Zvonimir Ivisic to matchup with (one of) Michigan’s big men down low. Ivisic followed Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas in the offseason. Ivisic is averaging 12 points and 2.6 blocks per game, but he’s added just four rebounds per contest so far this season.

Arkansas is tied for top 50 in the nation in takeaways (137), so it will be something to watch for as the Wolverines have struggled in the turnover department.

Michigan’s Path to Victory

If Michigan can control the boards it gives itself a great chance to come out with a win on Tuesday night. The Wolverines will have experience on their side as the razorbacks have several underclassmen playing big minutes. Arkansas may be unranked, but it would be a win on national television against one of the greatest college basketball coaches of the past few decades. 

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms