No one is predicting U-M will have an easy time against VCU. (Robin Buckson/Detroit News)
Detroit News writers predict the outcome of Saturday"s Michigan-VCU game:
Rod Beard: The Wolverines prevailed Thursday despite Trey Burke"s worst game of the season. What"s more, they got bigger contributions from their complementary players — a huge boon to their confidence. They"ll have the necessary ball-handlers and shooting to get past VCU and into the next round. U-M, 67-62
Matt Charboneau: Tim Hardaway Jr. and Glenn Robinson III were outstanding in the win over South Dakota State, but the Wolverines will need an equally impressive performance from Trey Burke against VCU, a team that will bring more pressure than Michigan has seen all season. The Rams are coming off a 40-point win and should keep rolling right to the Sweet 16. VCU, 81-72
Angelique S. Chengelis: Michigan will have an enormous test against VCU, which essentially enjoyed a glorified practice against weakened Akron (flu affected two players, back spasms another). Trey Burke was a no-show scorer for U-M in the second round, but Tim Hardaway Jr. and Glenn Robinson III gave the Wolverines a needed boost. U-M, 65-64
Josh Katzenstein: The Rams are a matchup nightmare for the Wolverines. VCU has guards with the speed and strength to keep Trey Burke off balance, and coach Shaka Smart"s "havoc" defense will knock Michigan off its game plan early. VCU, 72-63
John Niyo: As good as Michigan felt about its Tournament opener, VCU felt even better. And even if you figure Michigan handles the full-court press, they"ve still got to defend, which is why I picked VCU before the Tournament.ButI"m going with the home team. U-M, 76-73
Bob Wojnowski: VCU proudly creates havoc, registering a school-record 402 steals. So Trey Burke"s decision-making will be as important as ever, and Michigan"s turnover-averse offense will be as tested as ever. If the Rams want to run, the Wolverines will be happy to oblige. U-M, 78-74
See Also
- Virginia Commonwealth will test Michigan’s cool by bringing the heat
- Tickets sold out for Saturday’s U-M, MSU games at The Palace
- Michigan's Trey Burke lets others shine on an off night
- Michigan freshman Mitch McGary makes most of rare start
- Matchups: 4 Michigan vs. 5 VCU
- Photos: Michigan 71, South Dakota State 56
- Red Wings at Blackhawks, NBC, CBC
Join the Conversation
The Detroit News aims to provide a forum that fosters smart, civil discussions on the news and events that we cover. The News will not condone personal attacks, off topic posts or brutish language on our site. If you find a comment that you believe violates these standards, please click the "X" in the upper right corner of the post to report it.