Michigan Wolverines vs Washington Huskies Picks and Predictions January 12th 2025

No. 24 Michigan, Tied for Big Ten Lead, Hosts Washington

Michigan looks to solidify its position atop the Big Ten, while Washington seeks redemption on the road.

Michigan’s Home-Court Dominance

Michigan’s point guard Tre Donaldson made it clear after the Wolverines swept their Los Angeles road trip: the Big Ten title runs through Ann Arbor. With a 7-0 home record and an impressive start under first-year coach Dusty May, Michigan (12-3, 4-0) is playing with confidence. The Wolverines are currently tied with their in-state rival Michigan State for first place in the Big Ten and will look to maintain their momentum against Washington (10-6, 1-4) this Sunday at Crisler Center.

Donaldson’s comments reflect a team determined to defend its home court with authority. “As a veteran group, we have to stay focused and put those teams away,” he stated. His words echo the Wolverines’ recent dominance, which includes decisive wins against Southern California and a 94-75 blowout of No. 22 UCLA.

Key to Michigan’s success has been the stellar play of center Vladislav Goldin, who scored a career-high 36 points against UCLA. Goldin’s precision shooting (66.7 percent) anchors an offense that leads the NCAA in field goal percentage at 51.9 percent. Yet, coach Dusty May tempers expectations, emphasizing the need for continued growth. “We played a really good basketball game… but we have a long way to go,” May said after the UCLA victory.

Washington’s Struggles on the Road

The Washington Huskies are enduring a challenging transition into Big Ten play. With a 1-4 conference record and a recent 88-54 loss to Michigan State, first-year coach Danny Sprinkle faces an uphill battle. Thursday’s defeat marked the Huskies’ largest margin of loss since 2002, and Sprinkle acknowledged his team’s shortcomings in physicality and competitiveness.

“We just got our butts kicked. They out-toughed us,” Sprinkle admitted after the game. Despite early struggles, Washington remains hopeful. The team rallied from a 17-point deficit against Illinois last weekend before narrowly falling, 81-77, showcasing their resilience.

The Huskies’ slow starts, however, remain a glaring issue. Against Michigan State, they missed their first 14 shots, and their offensive leader, Great Osobor, was held scoreless from the field. Osobor, a preseason All-Big Ten selection, averages 13.8 points per game but has been inconsistent in key moments.

Tyler Harris has emerged as a bright spot for Washington, scoring 14 points against Michigan State. Still, the team’s overall shooting percentage (44.1 percent) ranks just 224th nationally, a stark contrast to Michigan’s efficiency.

Breaking Down the Odds and Predictions for the John Wooden Award Winner

A Battle of Efficiency and Resilience

Sunday’s matchup at Crisler Center offers a stark contrast in form and execution. Michigan enters as a well-rounded unit, thriving both offensively and defensively, while Washington continues to grapple with its identity in a competitive Big Ten.

The Wolverines will look to exploit their shooting advantage and capitalize on Goldin’s dominance in the paint. Meanwhile, Washington must find ways to start games stronger and get Osobor back on track. The Huskies’ defensive effort will be critical in preventing Michigan from dictating the tempo.

For Michigan, this game represents an opportunity to solidify their position as Big Ten frontrunners and maintain their perfect home record. For Washington, it’s a chance to regroup and prove they can compete with the conference’s elite. Whether it’s a display of dominance or a gritty underdog performance, Sunday’s game promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams.