Michigan Basketball Looks to Keep Rolling as La Salle Comes to Town
The Michigan Wolverines are riding high, and for good reason. After outlasting Arizona in a gritty four-point win on Dec. 15, they’ve held onto the top spot in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll-no small feat considering the level of competition they’ve faced this month. That win over the Wildcats was Michigan’s biggest test so far this season, and they passed it with poise and toughness.
Now, the Wolverines turn their attention to La Salle, who comes into Crisler Center on Sunday, Dec. 21, for a 4 p.m. tip. There’s no traditional TV broadcast for this one, but fans can stream it live on Peacock.
Let’s set the stage.
Michigan’s No. 1 Status: A Rare Air
This stretch marks the first time since January 2013 that Michigan has held the No. 1 ranking in either of the two major college basketball polls. While they sit atop the Coaches Poll, they’re No. 2 in the AP Poll, just behind Arizona. That 2012-13 team opened the season 16-0 and was 20-1 by February-a benchmark this year’s squad is chasing with every win.
And so far, they’re making it look easy.
The Wolverines have already handled a tough early-season schedule with a perfect 10-0 record, including a dominant showing in Las Vegas where they ran through San Diego State, Auburn, and Gonzaga by a combined 110 points. Most recently, they dismantled Maryland on the road, putting up 101 points in a statement win that reminded everyone just how potent this offense can be.
La Salle: A Program in Transition
La Salle enters this matchup with a 4-8 record and a new head coach at the helm. Darris Nichols, who led Radford to a 20-13 mark last season, is in his first year guiding the Explorers. It’s been a rocky start, with double-digit losses to Penn State and Temple, and a team still trying to find its identity under a new system.
Nichols brings a defensive-minded approach, but La Salle has struggled to contain high-powered offenses-something Michigan has in spades. This game presents an uphill battle for the Explorers, especially in a road environment like Crisler Center.
What to Watch For
Michigan’s offense has been humming. They’ve topped 100 points in three straight games and five of their last six.
The ball movement has been crisp, the spacing excellent, and the shot selection disciplined. Add in a defense that’s forcing turnovers and dominating the glass, and you’ve got a team firing on all cylinders.
Against La Salle, look for Michigan to continue pushing the tempo early and often. Expect the Wolverines to test La Salle’s perimeter defense with quick ball reversals and off-ball movement, while also attacking mismatches in the post. If Michigan establishes control early, we could see extended minutes for the bench-a valuable opportunity to keep legs fresh and build depth.
Kids Club Day at Crisler
Sunday’s game is also “Kids Club Day” at Crisler Center, and if recent performances are any indication, the young fans in attendance are in for a show. This team plays with a confidence and swagger that’s contagious-something that’s resonated with the home crowd all season long.
Prediction: Another Statement Win
Michigan has won five of its last six games by 25 points or more. KenPom projects this one as a 35-point spread in favor of the Wolverines, and it’s hard to argue with that. La Salle simply doesn’t have the firepower to keep pace with Michigan’s depth, athleticism, and execution.
Expect Michigan to set the tone early, lock in defensively, and keep their foot on the gas-at least until the game is well in hand. The Wolverines should cruise to another convincing win and head into the holiday break right where they want to be: undefeated, confident, and still the team to beat.
Projected Score: Michigan 97, La Salle 56
Upcoming Games
Here’s a look at Michigan’s early-season slate, which has already featured some heavyweight matchups and blowout wins:
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|
| Nov. 3 | Oakland | W, 121-78 |
| Nov. 11 | *Wake Forest | W, 85-84 (OT) |
| Nov. 14 | @TCU | W, 67-63 |
| Nov. 19 | Middle Tennessee State | W, 86-61 |
| Nov. 24 | **San Diego State | W, 94-54 |
| Nov. 25 | **Auburn | W, 102-72 |
| Nov. 26 | **Gonzaga | W, 101-61 |
| Dec. 6 | Rutgers | W, 101-60 |
| Dec. 9 | Villanova | W, 89-61 |
| Dec. 13 | @Maryland | W, 101-83 |
| Dec. 21 | La Salle | 4 p.m.
ET (Peacock) | | Dec.
29 | McNeese State | 7 p.m. ET (B1G+) |
*Game in Detroit
**Games in Las Vegas
Sunday’s matchup may not carry the same weight as Michigan’s earlier tests, but it’s another chance for the Wolverines to show why they’re sitting at No. 1-and why they might not be giving up that spot anytime soon.