Sunday, January 11, 2009

MEN'S BB: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/7/7c/Iowa_Hawkeyes_Logo.svg.png VS.
GAME INFO: Sat., Jan. 11th, 2009 - 10:35 AM CST - Crisler Arena; Ann Arbor, MI
IOWA: 11-5 (1-2); POM: 55; RPI: 65 / MICHIGAN: 12-3 (2-1); POM: 60; RPI: 35

TV COVERAGE: BTN
RADIO: Links
LINE - Iowa is a 7.5 point underdog at home.

Well, here's your excuse to skip church - Iowa plays the "butt crack of dawn game of the year". Rise and shine for the 10:35 AM CST (8:35 AM PST) starting time vs. Michigan this Sunday.

These two teams play sort of the same style of ball, they both shoot well and are efficient on the offensive side of the ball. Both teams shoot FTs at a terrific rate, but teams don't go to the line very often vs. Michigan. Iowa continues to chuck treys at a crazy rate - 48.5% of Iowa's shots are from behind the arc. Overall, Iowa is the better shooting team, but Michigan does a better job taking care of the ball and getting steals on the other end of the court. Long story short, Iowa is going to hit more shots, but Michigan is likely going to have more possessions.

Iowa is 3-3 in games decided under 6 points, while Michigan is 2-1 in those same games.

Iowa is turning into an infirmary. Tate went down with a sprained ankle last game (doubt he will play in this one), Tucker is still ailing from his bout with Mono, Peterson has a broken bone in his non-shooting hand, Kelly has a broken finger on his shooting hand and sprained his wrist last game. The way things are going, the starting lineup could include Angle and Palmer by year end.

Pomeroy gives Iowa a 35% chance to win the game.

KEYS TO THE GAME FOR IOWA:
1.) Shoot Well from the Outside. Facts are facts, when Iowa isn't hitting the outside shots, they lose. It's that simple.
2.) Brommer and Cole. With Tate being doubtful for this one, these two will have to contribute something. Someone will need to guard Sims.
3.) Pass the Ball Effectively. With UM likely coming out in a 1-3-1 zone, Iowa needs to work the ball around to get the defense out of position to free up their shooters.
4.) Dribble Penetration. Along with good passing, Iowa needs to penetrate against the zone, Iowa will look to Peterson and Davis to do this.

PREDICTION:
Iowa - 55
Michigan - 63

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