VCU is at it again, doing their best to make sure every team takes them as a serious contender to run the tournament. The fifth-seeded Rams take on fourth-seeded Michigan in a game that could create some chaos in the bracket.
The Wolverines are one of the best teams in the nation when it comes to protecting the ball and avoiding turnovers, but the Rams are known for their ability to force a change in possession which could help determine Saturday's game. VCU has forced more than 22 turnovers a game this season. The Wolverines season-high of turnovers is 16. Both VCU head coach Shaka Smart and Michigan coach John Beilein are two coaches that can handle a tough post season matchup which could make this the game to watch.
Michigan spent part of the season ranked No. 1 in the nation, but after a few tough losses in the Big Ten, they slipped to No. 4. VCU enters the game after destroying Akron in their first game, 88-42. Star Troy Daniels had 23 points while Juvonte Reddic had 21 in the tournament opening win. Michigan gurards Tim Hardaway Jr. and Nik Stauskas are two of the best 3-point shooters in the nation and could help get Michigan up early in the game. They have yet to face something like VCU's suffocating defense which will keep the Rams in this game.
Both team's are playing after just a day of rest so fatigue could play a large factor in how these two teams play. VCU is 27-1 in games where they force 15 or more turnovers, but only 1-5 this season when playing teams with an offensive turnover rate of less than 18.0 percent. That will be the key factor Saturday.