Michigan returns to action on Sunday (8:00 p.m., BTN) when it hosts Western Kentucky with an opportunity to shake off the holiday rust and wrap up non-conference play.
The Hilltoppers are off to a 9-3 start in Hank Plona’s first season in charge and have won their last six games since an 87-68 loss at Kentucky before Thanksgiving.
Western Kentucky earned a No. 15 seed in the NCAA Tournament last year, earning Steve Lutz the head coaching job at Oklahoma State after just one season in Bowling Green. The Hilltoppers tabbed Hank Plona to slide down a seat on the bench and move into the head coaching role.
Plona was a long-time head coach at junior college powerhouse Indian Hills and has built on the momentum that Lutz created in Bowling Green. The Hilltoppers are 9-3 and up to 110th nationally, per KenPom, and should be in a position to compete at the top of Conference USA.
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