The Iowa Hawkeyes play host to the Michigan Wolverines in a crucial Big 10 showdown on Thursday from Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Wolverines have had an up-and-down season and with a loss the last time out, they will have their work cut out to get back on the winning path. For Iowa, two wins in a row have helped them get the confidence back up, and being back at home should certainly help as well. The two split the series last season but with only three wins in the last ten meetings overall, Iowa will be looking to turn things around and keep their own win streak going.
Michigan has had a rough start to the season and even with a talented roster, the Wolverines have struggled to get things going in a consistent direction. An undefeated record across their first three Big Ten games gave way to a loss the last time out against Michigan State. Now they hit the road for the second-straight game and with a group that has struggled away from home this season, they could see their loss extend into a losing streak. Typically, the Wolverines have had some piece of confidence as they come into these games, whether it's riding a streak or having success over the last few years, though without that happening much this season, it remains to be seen how they'll handle this second leg of the road trip.
The Wolverines continue to be without Jaelin Llewellyn (knee), who was ruled out for the season last month. Having averaged 26.4 mpg and 7/0 ppg, his absence has certainly been felt. With lim ited depth to start the season, being without the guard has only served to hurt that even more.
1% better every day. pic.twitter.com/9Jjwft2KnU
— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) January 10, 2023
There isn't likely to be much to separate these two teams but the frontcourt battle expects to be the difference. Both teams rank in the top 100 nationally in offensive rebounding, while simultaneously being two of the worst defensive rebounding teams as well. Having the best frontcourt player in this game is likely to help give Michigan a leg up. Hunter Dickinson (18.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg) has been a force this season and should have his way on both ends, though the backcourt will need to step up as well. Jett Howard (14.3 ppg) has been strong but the lack of experience in the backcourt has hurt them, especially when on the road.