Michigan Wolverines vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Picks and Predictions December 29th 2024

Western Kentucky, Michigan Each Eye 10th Win of Season

Western Kentucky and Michigan are set to clash Sunday night in Ann Arbor, with both teams seeking their 10th victory before the calendar flips to the New Year. Each program comes into the matchup on a winning streak and features high-powered offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard.

Hilltoppers Riding Six-Game Winning Streak

Western Kentucky (9-3) has been a model of offensive efficiency, averaging 82.0 points per game while shooting 37.2 percent from beyond the arc. The Hilltoppers have multiple scoring threats, with four players averaging double digits:

• Don McHenry: 18.5 points per game
• Babacar Faye: 15.2 points per game
• Julius Thedford: 11.8 points per game
• Khristian Lander: 11.1 points per game

Western Kentucky’s balanced attack and depth have powered them to six consecutive wins, including a 91-71 rout of Division II Kentucky Wesleyan in their most recent outing.

“We’re just trying to get better day by day and week by week,” coach Hank Plona said. “To these guys’ credit, they’ve bought into certain things on both ends of the floor.”

The Hilltoppers will look to carry that momentum into Ann Arbor against their toughest non-conference opponent of the season.

Wolverines Look to Build on Home Dominance

Michigan (9-3) is also coming off an extended holiday break after dismantling Purdue Fort Wayne 89-58 on Dec. 22. The Wolverines have won eight of their last 10 games, demonstrating their ability to dominate at both ends of the court.

Michigan boasts a trio of scoring leaders:

• Vladislav Goldin: 13.7 points per game
• Roddy Gayle Jr.: 12.5 points per game
• Tre Donaldson: 12.3 points per game

Additionally, forward Danny Wolf has been a double-double machine, averaging 11.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.

Despite their three losses coming by a combined five points, Michigan remains confident about their potential.

“We’ve played really, really high-level basketball for about 25 to 30 minutes in all three (losses),” Wolverines head coach Dusty May said. “Our goal is to just get closer to 40 minutes of high-level basketball.”

With the Wolverines shooting 34.7 percent from 3-point range and averaging 81.7 points per game, the team will aim to sustain its momentum and capitalize on home-court advantage.

Key Matchup: Michigan’s Rebounding vs. WKU’s Shooting

This matchup could hinge on Michigan’s ability to dominate the glass, led by Wolf, against Western Kentucky’s sharpshooting. If the Hilltoppers can connect from deep and control the tempo, they might upset the home team. However, Michigan’s size and physicality in the paint could neutralize WKU’s scoring threats.

What’s at Stake?

For both teams, reaching 10 wins before January is a significant milestone. It underscores a strong start to the season and builds momentum heading into conference play. Western Kentucky will seek a signature win, while Michigan aims to avoid a letdown against a non-conference opponent.

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Prediction

Final Score: Michigan 83, Western Kentucky 75
The Wolverines’ size and rebounding edge should wear down the Hilltoppers in the second half, but expect an entertaining, high-scoring affair.