Detroit – Michigan basketball faces a rematch with Wake Forest Tuesday night at Little Caesars Arena,seeking to build on recent practice improvements and secure a win in teh ”Wolverine-Demon Deacon Challenge.” The game presents a stark contrast to the Wolverines‘ recent high-scoring victory over Oakland, promising a gritty contest reminiscent of last season’s tightly contested matchup.
Michigan (3-0 all-time at LCA) is 0-2 against Wake Forest, but head coach Dusty May believes his team has made “major strides” during the past week of practice. The Wolverines are preparing for a physical game,anticipating a battle similar to their 2023 encounter where neither team shot above 45% from the field,and a combined 29 turnovers occurred.
“We’re just trying to get to the point when the shots are going in, we are able to separate,” May said. “And when the shots aren’t going in. Still tough enough defensively, we’re still gritty enough on the glass to find a way to win.”
Last year’s game against Wake Forest was a defensive struggle, with 31 combined 3-point attempts made, 21 combined offensive rebounds, and nine steals for Wake Forest. May emphasized the importance of defensive resilience and rebounding, regardless of shooting performance.
“I feel like we’re a much better team than we were one week ago,” May said. ”We’re not where we need to be but I do think we’re inching in the right direction.”
Michigan athletics provided a photo of Dusty May watching the game vs. Wake Forest on Sunday,Nov. 10, 2024 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
