Michigan Basketball vs. SMU: How to Watch and GameThread

After two wins against lesser foes in Ann Arbor, Michigan Basketball traveled to New York for the 2K Classic and showed up in a big way against Marquette on Thursday night. A 79-61 victory placed them in Friday’s final against the SMU Mustangs.

Michigan was excellent as a whole against the Golden Eagles, with five players reaching double-figures and a convincing 50-26 lead going into halftime. For their first test of the season, the Wolverines looked very sharp and full of potential.

Up next is SMU, a team that dominated Michigan in Dallas last season and stole a road win the year before as well. They enter Friday’s contest also at 3-0 after a win over Pittsburgh in the semifinals.

Michigan looked great offensively in the paint against Marquette and was also quite stingy defensively. Continuing both of these things against the Mustangs would be a great sign.

Expect a much closer matchup than the meeting between these two last season. It will not be an easy task, but heading home with a tournament win would be an excellent start to Michigan’s season.

Prediction: Michigan 71, SMU 68

How to Watch

Teams: SMU Mustangs (3-0) vs. Michigan Wolverines (3-0)

Date: November 18th, 2016

Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York (2K Classic)

Tipoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Television: ESPN2

Radio: Michigan/IMG Sports Network (for a list of affiliates, click here)

Tonight’s opening discussion question:

Can the Michigan defense continue to contain opponents and effectively protect the paint?