Michigan vs Uconn Prediction

I'm just finishing watching Illinois against UConn.  Funny how you think you know if you follow the Big Ten.  Illinois is not great.  Neither is UConn.

I'll put an end to all the suspense now.  

Give them credit.  Michigan 92 UConn 75. 

Specifics.  I remember Tarris Reed from the Juwan days; he was big, slow, and not a jumper; same now, but with some moves.  Mara is five inches taller and great at going straight up--offense and defense--as well as anything involving hands or arms.  Karaban, Mullins, and others are going to get eaten-up by Michigan's guards--Burnett, Gayle, Cadeau, and McKenney, ditto Arizona.  Unlike Arizona, UConn has very little height or strength under the basket.  Morez Johnson may miss putbacks but but he is a one-man 3, 4, and 5 around the basket.  Reed cannot do it all, even without a healthy Lendeborg there.  I didn't see anything special in UConn's screens, or shooting, or rebounding.  Michigan may have a better athlete at every position.  Michigan has better three-point shooters and a just as effective scheme.  I see no indication UConn will stop McKenney or Gayle and Mara will have a field day.

Then there's the Michigan factor.  For Arizona my count was 5 -- if Michigan has at least five wow moments in terms of lobs, dunks, or full-court theatrics they will win.  They usually if not always exceed.

Yaxel Lendeborg is needed to spell Cadeau and hitting 3's from the top of the key is fine too.