The UConn Huskies are trying to create history with their program and continue their dynasty. The Michigan Wolverines are trying to win their first championship since 1989. Dan Hurley is one of the best coaches in the country, and Dusty May is trying to put his name in that conversation. Michigan will put the Big Ten on its back with hopes to end a 26-year title drought in college basketball.
Here are my bold predictions for Michigan vs UConn in the title game:
Aday Mara will hold Tarris Reed Jr. in check
Tarris Reed was extremely effective vs Illinois, and he was a big factor for UConn in their win. Against Michigan, I do not think he will have the same success. Aday Mara was the star of the game vs Arizona. Mara had 26 points and 9 rebounds in that matchup. Mara will challenge Reed Jr. on defense and give him fits when he is on offense. If Mara can post a similar outing, Michigan can take one of the things UConn does best away from them. I expect Mara to have a great game and help lead Michigan to a title win.
Yaxel Lendeborg will have a 20 point outing
Yaxel Lendeborg is all ready to go for this game, after having a scare vs Arizona. Lendeborg, before his injury, showed great star potential, posting 3 straight 20-point outings. In a game of this magnitude, he will have to shine bright. In a moment like this, I think he will rise to the occasion and drop 20 points and have double-digit rebounds. He will be the best player on the court. This game will display that he is one of the best players in the country, and he will finish the season on top with his draft stock at its highest peak.
Trey Mckinney will have another good bench outing
Trey McKinney is one of the most underrated players in the country. For the Wolverines this season, he has been a weapon off the bench. Last game vs Arizona, he shot 4-6 from 3 and had 16 points off the bench. Bench production can go a long way for teams. Vs a team that has the amount of experience UConn has in these games, you need great bench production. I think McKinney will show up and drop double-digit points again and outscore UConn’s bench by himself.
Michigan will have its first close game
Michigan has had no problem dominating its opponents, and even the best of the best have faced the same outcome vs the Wolverines. UConn will not be a team that Michigan will walk over. Michigan is the better team, but UConn is well coached, and they have the talent to handle what Michigan can provide defensively. Not to mention the swagger and confidence UConn has. The Huskies will remain in this fight vs Michigan, and I would not be surprised if they have the lead early in this game.
Michigan will end UConn’s dynasty with title win
Michigan can take away the things that UConn does well, and they can stifle the Huskies with their defense. Just like Dan Hurley and freshman Braylon Mullins have done before, they will make things interesting in this game. What Dan Hurley has been able to do in his tenure at UConn places his name in the conversation with the best of the best. UConn is staring at 3 titles in the last 4 seasons right in the face. I think Michigan is the team to put an end to that with a huge win. Michigan has been the best team in the country all season long; vs UConn, they get their chance to put their final stamp on that. Dusty May will look to create success similar to Dan Hurley, and it starts with a title this season.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Micah’s bold predictions for Michigan in NCAA title game vs UConn
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
