Matchups: 4 Michigan vs. 13 South Dakota State

4 Michigan vs. 13 South Dakota State

Tip-off: 7:15 tonight, The Palace, Auburn Hills
Records : Michigan 26-7, South Dakota State 25-9
TV/radio: CBS/WWJ
Guards
Michigan has one of the best tandems in the country in Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. South Dakota State’s Nate Wolters (22.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists) will be a formidable matchup, but Michigan’s guards can switch, with Burke taking 6-foot-4 Brayden Carlson and Hardaway on Wolters.
Edge: Michigan
Frontcourt
Jordan Morgan had struggled, and freshmen Glenn Robinson III and Nik Stauskas will have their first NCAA Tournament experiences. South Dakota State’s big men — Tony Fiegen (6-7) and Jordan Dykstra (6-8) — each average in double figures, are mobile and play more on the perimeter, which will force Michigan’s bigs outside.
Edge: Even
Bench
Mitch McGary (6.2 points, 5.5 rebounds) is talented enough to start and has become a spark as the top reserve. Freshmen Caris LeVert and Spike Albrecht continue to grow, but need to get more involved. South Dakota State’s 6-9 junior Marcus Heemstra (4.2 points) shoots 56 percent overall and has a good outside jump shot.
Edge: Michigan
Coaches
Michigan’s John Beilein has had his share of success, but with more talent, the Wolverines can make a run. He hasn’t had great tournament success at Michigan. South Dakota State’s Scott Nagy is in his 18th season and helped the Jackrabbits transition to Division I.
Edge: Michigan
Prediction
Michigan 73-65