Column: Scouting the Wolverines

WHO No.23 Michigan (16-6, 6-3)
WHAT IU’s chance to win their first road game since beating Penn State on Jan. 8
WHEN 6:30 tonight
WHERE Ann Arbor, Mich.
HOW Big Ten Network (Gus Johnson, Shon Morris), IU Radio Network, Live Audio on IUHoosiers.com

Scouting Michigan

Head coach John Beilein, fifth season
Leading scorer Sophomore guard Tim Hardaway Jr., 15.2 ppg
Leading rebounder Sophomore forward Jordan Morgan, 5.6 rpg
Best win Home against Michigan State, 60-59
Worst loss At Iowa, 75-59
What they do well Free throws. During the Big Ten season, Michigan has made 74.2 percent from the charity stripe — good for second-best in the conference.
What needs work Their perimeter game. In conference play, the Wolverines’ 3-pointer percentage has been 30.7 percent, while teams are shooting 38.4 percent from deep against Michigan. Both rank 10th in the Big Ten.

Projected starters

Indiana
G Jordan Hulls 11.9 points per game
G Verdell Jones III 8.2
F Will Sheehey 9.5
F Christian Watford 12.7
F Cody Zeller 15.2

Michigan
G Trey Burke 14.1 points per game
G Tim Hardaway Jr. 15.2
G Zack Novak 9.0
G Stu Douglass 7.6
F Jordan Morgan 7.6

My take

To hand the Wolverines their first loss at home this season, IU will have to stop the best-scoring backcourt in the Big Ten with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke. IU’s on-ball defense will need to be sharp.

When Hardaway scored a season-high 26 against Penn Sate, he did so while shooting just 1-of-7 from 3-point range. However, he made up for it by hitting 11-of-18 from the field.

Similarly, Burke’s season-high 27 vs. Minnesota came during a night when he attempted just two 3-pointers, both of which he made. He shot 8-of-11 from the field and 9-of-11 from the foul line to complete his performance.

These guys are dangerous, even if their 3-pointer is not. They can get to the hoop, and if IU’s help defense isn’t there, could be in for a long night.