Michigan goes for the upset on Senior Night in Ann Arbor today. We all know that it’s been a long season but a couple wins down the stretch against Purdue and in the Big Ten Tournament could provide some momentum for next year.
The first game against Purdue was actually closer than expected as Michigan stayed in the game through most of the second half (boxscore). Grant went wild shooting threes in the first contest and that was the game changer. Michigan got 25 from Manny and 15 from DeShawn and not much else from anyone. I like to think that our role players have improved a bit so maybe we can get more from the bench and other starters.
It’s senior night for Ron Coleman. By this point Ronnie is what he is and he seems like a good kid who just didn’t have enough skill to make an impact on this level. The painful part was finding that out year after year. Hopefully Ronnie can go out and have a big game to cap off his career at Crisler.
As mentioned, Justin Watts will be in the house. It would be great to show him a good game and have a good crowd. Tickets are still available at the box office and students get in free.
Purdue is a very tough matchup for Michigan (or any team) which makes it confusing that Michigan played so close with them the first time. I guess anytime Manny scores 25 we will at least be in the game. Purdue runs a lot of versatile guys at you that can all shoot it and creates a matchup nightmare. I think Michigan holds close in this one for a while but Purdue is just too talented and skilled across the board to lose to this Michigan team.
UMHoops Prediction: Purdue 69 – Michigan 62
