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Iowa Basketball: Game Info, X-Factors, Predictions Against Michigan

By Dylan Burn

Jan 17, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Jarrod Uthoff (20) shoots the ball as Michigan Wolverines forward Mark Donnal (34) goes for the block during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa won 82-71. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Jarrod Uthoff (20) shoots the ball as Michigan Wolverines forward Mark Donnal (34) goes for the block during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa won 82-71. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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If there was ever a game the Iowa basketball team needed to regain some confidence, it’s tomorrow night’s game in Ann Arbor.  Iowa took some big strides despite the loss to Indiana last Tuesday and they’ll need to continue that going into postseason play.

Start Time: 7:06 p.m. CST

TV/Stream: BTN/BTN2GO

Line: Michigan -1

The last time the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Michigan Wolverines met the Hawkeyes got the better of them in Iowa City.  Iowa was fresh off of a 4-0 start to conference play and oddly enough, were ranked 16th in nation when they defeated the Wolverines 82-71 back on January 17th.  Coming into this game, Iowa is ranked 16th, but as we’re all well aware, they’re sliding.

Michigan just found out that Caris Lavert was being shut down for the year, which ends his college career at Michigan.  Playing without Lavert isn’t something Michigan is a stranger to, however.  He appeared in everyone of Michigan’s non-conference games, but was limited to just two Big Ten games due to injury.  Despite not having him, the Wolverines have still managed to post a 10-7 conference record.  It’s been the play of sophomore point guard, Derrick Walton Jr. that has really helped the Wolverines stay in the middle of the pack.  DWJ averages 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals per game for the maize and blue.

The outcome of this game could really depend on how the Wolverines shoot the basketball from beyond the arc.  They currently rank second in the Big Ten and 14th nationally in three pointers made per game at 9.8.  If Iowa allows Duncan Robinson and Zak Irvin to get going early, they could be in for another loss, which is something they cannot afford.  The Hawkeyes will also need to be aware of where Aubrey Dawkins is when he is in the game.  Dawkins shoots 47 percent from beyond the arc.

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This game could wind up meaning the world for Iowa.  It could be the difference between being an eight seed in the Big Ten tournament and being a possible two seed.  There is a lot still left to play for if you’re Iowa at this point.  They did some good things against Indiana to regain some swagger, but were unable to get the job done late.

They got good bench play and the emergence of Christian Williams could be big for Iowa, assuming he can play at as high of a level as he did on Tuesday.  The lack of offensive production late in games is really starting to become a problem.  Iowa scored just three points in the final four minutes of the game on Tuesday and they came with seven seconds left on the clock.

X-Factors

For Michigan, it’s going to be the play of their big men.  Adam Woodbury has been a load to handle on the offensive glass for teams lately.  Ricky Doyle and Mark Donnal are going to need to do their best to keep Woodbury off the glass. With the three point shooters that Iowa has, step in threes are one of the easiest shots in the game.

For Iowa, it’s Jarrod Uthoff.  I know, it sounds weird saying Uthoff is an x-factor, but he hasn’t shot it well recently.  Jarrod is shooting just 34 percent from the field in his last five games and that has to change.  He did a good job getting to the basket in the game on Tuesday, but the numbers still weren’t there.  Mostly because he couldn’t get any of his jump shots to fall.  He’ll need to be efficient in a game that Iowa needs their best player to be sharp.

Next: Iowa Basketball: Bracket Breakdown

Predictions

I can’t see Iowa ending the year on a five game losing streak.  This team is way too talented for that to happen.  With the confidence they gained back from the loss (that sounds weird) on Tuesday to Indiana, they get the job done on Saturday night against Michigan.  The bench will be there, I saw an aggression we hadn’t seen in quite some time from that bench and I think it’ll carry over.

Iowa 77 — Michigan 70

The Hawkeyes get it done and ruin Michigan’s senior night, even though zero seniors will be playing in the ball game.  This paves the way for a top five seed in the Big Ten tournament.  Once the Big Ten tournament bracket is finalized, we’ll get you full coverage.

Stay locked into Dear Old Gold for constant coverage of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

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