Michigan set to face Colorado State in the NCAA tournament
Michigan has had a tumultuous year, and it felt like the Wolverines let a big opportunity slip away in their opening round game of the Big Ten tournament against the Indiana Hoosiers. Leading by 17 points with 11:10 left to play, Michigan turned into a team that we have not seen in months. Turnovers, missed shots, bad execution, and missed defensive assignments. It did not seem real. Why now? Why the biggest game of the year? Michigan knew they had control of their destiny, but now gave that power back to the NCAA tournament committee.
It is now Selection Sunday, and Iowa wins the Big Ten tournament. Still, everyone is on pins and needles. We check Bracket Matrix religiously to see the latest brackets. Now 92% of updated brackets now have Michigan in the tournament. That is still not good enough, it’s not official. We know 92% free throw shooters can miss, and all it takes is one bracket miss to derail an entire season. The Selection Show begins, and it feels like a blur, and Colorado State is announced as the 6 Seed. They play the 11 seed Michigan Wolverines. We’re happy with a huge sigh of relief. Michigan is in the tournament, but who is Colorado State and what makes them tick?
Michigan vs Colorado State Statistical Overview
Pace: Colorado State averages 67.1 possessions per game which is one of the slowest teams in the country, ranking 321st nationally. They play at a similar pace as Ohio State and San Diego State.
Team Defensive Efficiency: Colorado State allows 0.882 PPP, which ranks 179th in the country. They run a pack line defense, but don’t have the big brutes down low you would typically see on pack line teams. They do not offer the rim protection you would expect with their defensive playstyle, but they love to play a physical brand of basketball.
Defensive Transition: Colorado State is not built to play an up-tempo, back and forth game. In transition defense they are one of the worst in the country, allowing 1.163 points per possession (PPP). This ranks 351st out of 358 Division 1 teams.
Handoff Defense: When guarding handoff situations, Colorado State has problems as well. They give up 0.991 PPP which ranks 333rd in the country.
Pick & Roll Ballhandler Defense: When guarding the ballhandler in the pick and roll, Colorado State allows 0.828 PPP which ranks 297th nationally.
Team Offensive Efficiency: Colorado State scores 1.017 PPP, ranking 6th in the country. Michigan must abuse the mismatch with their size on the offensive end which will force the Rams to play a more traditional lineup with a true big man. Colorado State will try to play a 6’5″ 260 pound tweener forward All American at the Center spot. This enables Colorado State to play five out offense which will spread Michigan out. Abuse the mismatch on the offensive end, and Michigan can prevent Colorado State from playing this deadly lineup.
Pick & Roll Ballhandler Offense: When the pick & roll ballhandler attacks, Colorado State scores 0.919 PPP which ranks 16th in the country.
Post-up Offense: When posting up, Colorado State scores 0.979 PPP which ranks 26th in the country.
Cutting Offense: When cutting to the basket, Colorado State scores 1.429 PPP which ranks 2nd nationally.
