Michigan hosts Virginia tonight (9:30 p.m., ESPN) in a clash of continuity against fresh faces. The Cavaliers are one of the oldest and most experienced teams in college basketball. They return their entire starting lineup from last season and are ranked 6th in Division I experience and 9th in minutes continuity, per KenPom. Michigan returns just one starter from last year’s roster.
One team is a well-oiled machine; the other is figuring out how to win college basketball games.
Last year’s Virginia squad wasn’t particularly great, finishing 72nd per KenPom, while this year’s group has taken the proverbial leap. Virginia is 5-0 on the season and picked up an impressive pair of wins in Las Vegas over Baylor and Illinois. Now the Hoos sit at No. 5 in KenPom and No. 3 in the latest Associated Press Top 25.
For its part, Virginia epitomizes where Michigan wants to get. The Wolverines are trying to refine their offensive execution, hone their defensive rotations, and build the confidence to make open shots. Virginia is executing on offense and defense like it’s mid-March and is ranked 4th in the country in 3-point shooting.
A friendly crowd and a few made jump shots can change everything in a young college basketball season, but the Wolverines will have their hands full if they want to turn momentum tonight.
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