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Wolverines Clash with Struggling Ducks in Big Ten Battle
17 Jan
Summary
- Michigan boasts the nation's top defense.
- Oregon grapples with injuries to key players.
- The Wolverines aim to extend their successful road trip.
No. 4 ranked Michigan men's basketball is set to play Oregon on Saturday in a nationally televised Big Ten matchup. The Wolverines, currently 15-1 overall and 5-1 in conference play, are riding a successful West Coast road trip following a Wednesday victory over Washington. Michigan boasts the nation's top defense, allowing opponents a mere 35.7% field goal percentage, and has secured six dominant wins by over 40 points this season.
Conversely, the Oregon Ducks are struggling, holding an 8-9 overall record and a 1-5 mark in the Big Ten, coming off a significant road loss. Injuries have plagued the team, with key players Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad sidelined, impacting their offensive capabilities. Coach Dana Altman expressed significant disappointment following their recent performance, calling it an "embarrassment" for the program.
Michigan holds a slight 5-3 advantage in the all-time series between the two teams. The Wolverines' frontcourt, led by Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr., has been overpowering, and their backcourt, though sometimes quiet, also contributes significantly. Head coach Dusty May, who engineered a massive turnaround for Michigan last season, is on track for his fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
