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After defeating the Nevada Wolf Pack on Thursday, the Gators face a quick turnaround as they prepare to take on the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday.
Michigan took down Montana with relative ease on Thursday night by beating the Grizzlies 74-55.
#Gators are one game away from their second Sweet Sixteen appearance in three years. We spoke with the team today and asked the guys how they're feeling heading into tomorrow's matchup. pic.twitter.com/6Cy2Bh4Ocy
— Kara Spierto (@kara_spierto) March 23, 2019
Michigan’s Elite Level of Play
The Wolverines have been a dominant force in college basketball all season long.
If Michigan hadn’t run into Michigan State three times this season, a team they went 0-3 against, they would have easily been a No. 1 seed in the tournament.
The Wolverines rank 2nd in the country in defensive efficiency and do a fantastic job of contesting every shot attempt. They limit their opponents to 28.7% from beyond the arc, which is the 5th best mark in the nation. Michigan is also great at protecting the paint. This dominant interior defense is anchored by 7’1″ center, Jon Teske. Teske averages 2.1 blocks per game, which is the best mark in the Big Ten.
Offensively, the Wolverines have an efficiency of 115.3, which is 20th in the country. They have six different players who score more than 8.0 points per game. Ignas Brazdeikis leads the team with 15.0 points per game, while Jordan Poole and Charles Matthews combine to contribute 25.0 points per game.
Starting point guard Zavier Simpson is the glue that holds the team together. The junior is averaging 9.1 points, 5.o rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He provides significant contributions on both sides of the ball and has stepped up his play in the second half of the season.
Florida head coach Mike White detailed what impresses him about Michigan.
“Their level of communication on the court, especially defensively. Their attention to detail. Their discipline. Their skill level. The fact that they all pass, dribble and shoot it.”
There is a great challenge ahead of us tomorrow.
We'll be ready. #GoBlue x #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/U8xRXu36qZ
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) March 22, 2019
Slow Pace Assisting Gators
The Gators’ offense has improved significantly over the past month. Much of this can be attributed to slowing down the pace and moving the ball to find the best available shot. This style compliments point guard Andrew Nembhard perfectly.
The Canadian plays at a slow, comfortable pace and never seems to get rattled if the tempo increases. This change of pace, along with the resurgence of Jalen Hudson and the improved play of Kevarrius Hayes, has allowed the Gators to get hot at the perfect time.
Their defense has been dominant all season. The Gators rank 15th in defensive efficiency and force turnovers on 22.6% of their defensive possessions.
Their defensive versatility and ability to throw out numerous defensive looks is what makes the Gators so difficult to attack.
Michigan head coach John Beilein discussed what makes Florida’s defense so special.
“That is the challenge. Sometimes they change defenses in the middle of a defense. They throw the ball in and they are in zone and and they may change it in the middle of it.”
https://twitter.com/GatorsMBK/status/1109201225847836672
When and Where?
The game is set to be played on Saturday, March 22nd at 5:15 p.m. ET in Des Moines, Iowa. It is scheduled to be aired on CBS and can be heard live on ESPN 98.1 FM & 850 AM WRUF.
