While there is plenty of drama around other aspects of Michigan athletics right now, that has not been the case on the hardwood. For the Michigan Wolverines, the last five games have arguably been boring, effectively being over at halftime and featuring extended minutes for the bottom of the roster. Of course, no one is actually bored of the hot streak, as everyone is wondering just how long this rampage can actually last.
Saturday brings about just the second true away game of the season. Buzz Williams’
Maryland Terrapins are off to a bumpy start, going 1-4 against High Majors and ranking just inside the Kenpom top 100. There is no reason for the Wolverines to show any let off right now, but the back half of December is always a time to be on alert, especially on the road. This should be a good one — and on network television!
No. 2 Michigan (9-0, 1-0) at Maryland (6-4, 0-1)
Date & Time: Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m. ET
Location: Xfinity Center, College Park, MD
TV/Streaming: FOX
Maryland has won three of the past four regular-season contests between these schools, including a 71-65 ranked matchup in Ann Arbor during the three-game skid to close out the year. All was righted 10 days later in Indianapolis, however, as the 3-seeded Wolverines squeaked by the 2-seeded Terps in the Big Ten Semifinals thanks to 25 points from Vlad Goldin, 21 from Danny Wolf, and the coast-to-coast heroics of Tre Donaldson.
Two Stats to Watch
Michigan Turnover Rate: 17.3% (167th)
It felt like the only thing to talk about last year was turnovers, and heading into this season there was good reason to fear that the same issue would limit this team’s ceiling again. But to the surprise of all, through nine games this campaign Michigan has done a great job taking care of the ball, posting a turnover rate over 20% just once (TCU) compared to 19 times last season (lol).
The Terps should provide a bit of a test in this department, forcing turnovers on over 20% of opponent possessions. Much of this came against lesser competition, and most of these are of the non-steal variety, but keep an eye on how Elliot Cadeau fares; the UNC transfer has been less sloppy with the Wolverines, but did have four turnovers against Villanova on Tuesday and could see that continue here on the road.
Maryland FT Rate: 52.3% (4th)
The other thing that stands out about Maryland is that it draws a ton of fouls. Again, this is primarily seen against mid-majors, but over 29% of the team’s points have come at the line this season, which is the second-highest mark in the nation. Michigan opponents typically do not find that sort of opportunity, as the defense has a top-70 FTA/FGA rate.
With a brand new starting five — and no Derrick Queen — it is tough for the Terps to consistently generate any offense. The Wolverines are elite defensively and do not need to foul, and if Maryland is not getting to the line, then it really is not scoring, featuring two-point and three-point shooting percentages both outside the top 250. Apart from the Big Ten refs being swayed by what likely ends up being a raucous crowd, this should be another smothering performance by the Michigan defense.
