The Crisler Center is set to witness an exciting clash this Sunday afternoon as the Michigan men’s basketball team prepares to face off against Purdue Fort Wayne. With a packed house expected, the game promises to be a thrilling encounter. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET and will be streamed on BTN+. The Mastodons bring a solid record of 9-4 into this contest, having primarily faced non-conference opponents ranked lower in KenPom ratings. Despite this, they are considered one of the better mid-major teams, currently sitting at 138th nationally. Last season, Purdue Fort Wayne achieved notable success with 23 victories and a runner-up finish in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. Key players like Jalen Jackson, Rasheed Bello, and Quinton Morton-Robertson have returned, bringing valuable experience and accolades from the Horizon League coaches.

Key Players and Strengths of Purdue Fort Wayne

Purdue Fort Wayne boasts several standout players who could pose challenges for Michigan. Jalen Jackson, a versatile wing, plays a pivotal role, utilizing nearly 30% of possessions when on the court. Point guard Rasheed Bello has demonstrated impressive shooting accuracy, hitting over 40% of his three-point attempts this season. Meanwhile, Eric Mulder, the team's center, ranks second nationally in offensive rating due to his exceptional 82.6% success rate on two-point shots. These players, along with a well-balanced frontcourt, present a formidable lineup that Michigan must contend with.

Jalen Jackson stands out as the highest usage player for Purdue Fort Wayne, commanding nearly 30% of possessions during his playing time. His presence creates significant pressure on the defense, making him a key figure in their offensive strategy. Rasheed Bello complements Jackson with his sharpshooting ability, contributing significantly from beyond the arc. Eric Mulder, despite low usage, excels in scoring efficiency, ranking second nationally in offensive rating. His high success rate on two-pointers underscores his importance in the team's offense. Additionally, the Mastodons’ perimeter-oriented style and efficient playmaking add layers of complexity to their gameplay.

Mismatch Analysis: Height and Defensive Challenges

The height disparity between the two teams presents a clear advantage for Michigan. Ranked fourth nationally in height, the Wolverines tower over Purdue Fort Wayne, who rank 361st in this category. This size difference should benefit Michigan across all positions, particularly in rebounding and shot-blocking. Purdue Fort Wayne's reliance on a perimeter-focused offense may expose them defensively, especially against Michigan’s inside-outside attack. The Mastodons struggle with both offensive and defensive rebounding, which could be exploited by the taller Wolverines.

Purdue Fort Wayne runs an efficient offense centered around perimeter play, but their lack of size makes them vulnerable in rebounding and interior defense. Michigan’s Dusty May employs a strategy that emphasizes scoring either close to the basket or from three-point range, which could exploit Purdue Fort Wayne's weaknesses. The Mastodons allow opponents to make 55.9% of their two-pointers, indicating a potential area for Michigan to capitalize. Moreover, Michigan’s recent performances highlight their resilience, with four consecutive games decided by narrow margins. Vladislav Goldin has been particularly impactful, averaging 21 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks over his last five games. With these factors in mind, Michigan appears poised to secure a victory, backed by a 94% win probability predicted by KenPom.