Michigan Prepares for William & Mary’s Full-Court Press

Michigan and William & Mary meet in Ann Arbor after each opened the college basketball season with two wins and one loss. The Wolverines beat Oakland and Marquette before falling to UConn, while the Tribe won against Bridgewater and Norfolk State before losing 95-90 to Florida Atlantic. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST on November 15.

Brian Carter Jr. leads William & Mary with 16.3 points per game and scored 21 against Florida Atlantic. Will Feagles averages 11 points, making them the Tribe’s only players scoring in double figures. William & Mary plays at a quick tempo and uses a full-court press; against Florida Atlantic, the Tribe forced 18 turnovers.

Michigan’s leading scorer is Trey McKenney, averaging 18 points per game. J.P. Estrella averages 17.3 and had 18 points, eight rebounds and two blocks against Marquette. Roddy Gayle Jr., Elliot Cadeau and Quinn Costello are also averaging at least 10 points. Michigan is expected to have an advantage inside, with Estrella and Moustapha Thiam.

The press will test Michigan’s ball handling. The Wolverines committed 15 turnovers against Marquette, so limiting mistakes will be important against William & Mary’s pressure. Michigan is favored, and the preview expects its guards to break the press and the Wolverines to win comfortably. Michigan went 14-1 at home last season; William & Mary was 6-9 on the road.