The Michigan Wolverines are set to continue their journey through the college basketball season as they face off against the struggling Oregon Ducks on Saturday, January 17, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. After bouncing back with a victory over Washington, Michigan aims to maintain their momentum and return home from the West Coast with another win.
Currently, Michigan holds a strong record of 15-1 overall and 5-1 in conference play, making them the favorite going into this matchup. In contrast, Oregon has had a challenging season, sitting at 8-9 overall and just 1-5 in the Pac-12, putting them near the bottom of the Kenpom rankings. While the Ducks have struggled, their ability to defend two-point shots has been a silver lining, as they allow one of the lowest percentages in the league. However, their struggles with perimeter defense present an opportunity for Michigan, particularly as their three-point shooting has been inconsistent lately.
The Wolverines have seen a decline in their three-point shooting percentage over the last four games, dropping to 25.7%, significantly lower than their season average of 34%. Although they have been effective in scoring from inside the paint, the reliance on long-range shooting could complicate their strategy. Key players like Yaxel Lendeborg and Nimari Burnett are looking to find their rhythm again after experiencing recent shooting slumps.
Oregon’s offensive style has been methodical but ineffective, as they rank last in conference play in terms of pace and scoring. This slow style, coupled with low assist rates and a high turnover rate, has hampered their overall offensive production. Despite having Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad as their primary scorers, their potential absence from this game due to injury could further complicate Oregon’s chances against a favored Michigan team.
As the game approaches, the spotlight will be on how Michigan can leverage their strengths against Oregon’s weaknesses. A win on Saturday could set the tone for a successful stretch as the team looks to solidify their position in the national rankings and continue their climb toward the postseason. Fans are hopeful that the Wolverines will find their shooting touch, leading to a decisive victory as they aim to leave the West Coast unscathed.