Purdue vs Michigan on 01/26 by Mike_Jones

With its NCAA Tournament chances in mind, Michigan is desperate for a big win. Tonight's game presents a great opportunity against a Purdue team that Michigan beat at home 82-58 last season. I'm not sure what's too different from last year's game: crucially, Michigan still has Dickinson, whose foot speed and three-level scoring will overwhelm Purdue's tall but slow-footed center. Michigan's improved and attentive perimeter defense -- the catastrophe against Arizona State is firmly in the past -- will combine with Dickinson's interior defending to limit the Boilermakers' scoring output. Purdue has been embroiled in tight affairs lately, partly thanks to its vulnerable ball-screen defense. It is Michigan's uniquely productive ball-screen offense that will do the most to ensure its upset win tonight.