WBB vs Michigan 7:30 PM Nov 30

The 6-1 Hokies face the 6-1 MIchigan Wolverines in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Shell Division Championship game at 7:30 PM today. Michigan lost their first game of the season to South Carolina and is in on a six game winning streak. the Hokies lost their second game of the season to Iowa and are on a five game winning streak. The ESPN matchup predictor gives the Hokies at 29% chance to win this one.

MIchigan is young/old team; they start 3 freshmen and 2 seniors. the Wolverines have the height to match up against the Hokies; only 5'10" Mila Holloway is under six feet and their tallest player is 6'3" senior Jordan Hobbs

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Except for South Carolina, Michigan has played a typical early season schedule with all home games against competition they expect to beat. They do have 5 players scoring in double digits, led by freshman Syla Swords at 18PPg. The Wolverines are scoring at 87.1 ppg to the Hokies 82.7. They allow 53.1 ppg to the Hokies 62.9. So they have scored more and defended better than the Hokies. On the season they have won the rebound battle by 15.5 rebounds per game; the Hokies by 8.1. Michigan averages 19.3 assists and 16.7 turnovers per game; they have forced their opponents into 22.6 turnovers per game.

I think the Ladies are going to have to play better than they have been to win this game. Against what I assume is similar competition, Michigan has accumulated better statistics. VT has eight players averaging 20 or more minutes per game; Michigan only plays 6 that many minutes. Are we deeper or have we played more players as Coach Duffy learns about her team against lesser opponents?

I did not watch the Michigan-Belmont game yesterday; but I think the Lieutenant did. Maybe he can chime in with some comments. I think to win this game we are going to have to cut down on the turnovers and Wenzel needs to make her layups. And we need to match the Wolverines in rebounding, especially on defense; we cannot allow them to dominate the boards like they have against their othe opponents.

A win today would be a statement for this team and a real confidence builder for this relatively young team. I am trying to decide whether I put this game or the football game on the TV and watch the other on my computer. There is also an important women's Elite Eight soccer game at Duke at 6PM on ESPN+, if you have that.

LET'S GO HOKIES!