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Michigan vs. Oklahoma State prediction and game preview, as the No.7 Wolverines and No. 10 Cowboys face off in the NCAA Tournament.

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Michigan went from a scary incident when its plan skidded off the runway when trying to take off for Washington, D.C., to winning the Big Ten tournament and heading into this week with plenty of momentum. The Wolverines are on fire and earned the No. 7 seed in the Midwest Region, where they’ll face Oklahoma State. The Cowboys earned an at-large bid out of the Big 12.

Michigan vs. Oklahoma State Game Preview

Date: Friday, March 17
Venue:  Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Region: Midwest

Michigan Strengths

Michigan has a lot of experience with Derrick Walton Jr., Zac Irvin and D.J. Wilson that can help it stay composed under the pressure of the Big Dance. Walton and sophomore Moe Wagner especially have keyed the Wolverines’ end-of-the-season push to lock up a bid.

Michigan Weaknesses

Michigan lives and dies by the 3-pointer and led the Big Ten in average long-range attempts per game at 24.6 during the regular season. The Wolverines too often can start chucking, and if they’re not hitting, it could be their undoing.

Michigan Wolverines In-Depth Analysis

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Oklahoma State Strengths

Jeffrey Carroll, Jawun Evans and Phil Forte III make up a solid trio that can put points on the board in a hurry, and Evans is just as good of a distributor as he is a scorer. They found their groove toward the end of the regular season and make Oklahoma State a tough out in the NCAATournament.

Oklahoma State Weaknesses

The Cowboys don’t have much depth. Coach Brad Underwood uses eight players regularly, but those coming off the bench often see fewer than 20 minutes with one with fewer than 10. Carroll, Evans and Forte are fantastic players, but they’re going to need some help.

Oklahoma State Cowboys In-Depth Analysis

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Michigan vs. Oklahoma State By The Numbers

Michigan Statistics

Scoring Margin: 9.0 (39th in the nation)
Rebounding Margin: minus-1.6 (257)
Turnover Margin: 3.4 (16)
3-Point FG Percentage: 38.6 (37)

Oklahoma State Statistics

Scoring Margin: 8.0 (51)
Rebounding Margin: 3.5 (75)
Turnover Margin: 2.0 (59)
3-Point FG Percentage: 40.3 (15)

Michigan vs. Oklahoma State Prediction

This has the potential to be one of the best games of the first round. Michigan ultimately will pull it out, though, as the Wolverines continue their wild ride into the second round.

Michigan vs. Oklahoma State Score Prediction: Michigan 79, Oklahoma State 76

MORE: Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket, Previews, Predictions