Michigan Wolverines vs Iowa Hawkeyes Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

Iowa, Michigan Out to Build on Close Conference Wins

The Michigan Wolverines and Iowa Hawkeyes enter Saturday afternoon’s clash in Ann Arbor fresh off narrow victories to open Big Ten play. Both teams will look to maintain their momentum as they square off in what promises to be a competitive matchup.

Wolverines’ Strong Start Under Dusty May

Michigan (7-1, 1-0 Big Ten) edged No. 11 Wisconsin 67-64 on Tuesday, earning their first win against a ranked opponent under first-year head coach Dusty May. The victory in Madison capped an impressive stretch for the Wolverines, who also claimed the Fort Myers Tip-Off title in Florida.

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Danny Wolf, a versatile 7-footer, showcased his unique skill set against Wisconsin with a team-high 20 points and five assists, including 11 points and all his assists in the second half. Vladislav Goldin added 24 points in a game defined by timely scoring and disciplined defense.

“He really is a guard in a seven-footer’s body, the way he dribbles, the way he shoots it, the way he can create space,” May said of Wolf. “We’re trying to figure out what’s our best plan of attack in a half court, and that, in a small sample size, has been a really efficient attack for us.”

The Wolverines will aim to build on their strong showing as they return home to face a formidable Iowa team.

Hawkeyes Riding High After Buzzer-Beater

Iowa (7-1, 1-0) secured its own dramatic victory Tuesday night, with Josh Dix hitting a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift the Hawkeyes to an 80-79 win over Northwestern. Dix scored 22 points and dished out six assists, leading Iowa in a game where every possession mattered.

The Hawkeyes showed resilience despite second-half turnovers that allowed Northwestern to stay competitive. After Brock Harding missed a free throw that could have tied the game, Northwestern extended its lead late, setting the stage for Dix’s heroics.

“We just have to play better and keep being aggressive,” Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery said. “The bottom line is at this level you can’t turn the ball over.”

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Keys to the Game

• Michigan’s Half-Court Offense: The Wolverines’ ability to exploit mismatches with Wolf’s size and skill will be crucial. His playmaking, combined with Goldin’s scoring presence, gives Michigan a unique advantage.
• Iowa’s Ball Security: The Hawkeyes must address their turnover issues to avoid giving Michigan extra opportunities. Their offensive firepower, led by Dix, will be essential, but maintaining possession could determine the outcome.
• Momentum Factor: Both teams are coming off confidence-boosting wins in high-stakes settings. The team that channels that momentum into consistent execution will likely prevail.

What’s at Stake

A win on Saturday would strengthen either team’s early position in the Big Ten standings and bolster their resumes as the conference season heats up. Both teams will be eager to build on their impressive starts and show they can contend in a competitive league.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor, where fans can expect a hard-fought battle between two rising programs.