The 20th ranked Michigan Wolverines technically hit the road on Saturday when they head up the road to face the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. With the game slated for the Palace at Auburn Hills instead of the O'rena in Rochester, Michigan should find a warm welcome even though the matchup is considered a road game.
Michigan has had a full week off after beating Iowa State last Saturday, which should have the Wolverines rested and ready to pad their 6-2 record with another non-conference win. The game on Saturday is one of just four remaining games in December before Michigan tips off Big Ten play against Penn State on Dec. 29.
Guard play will determine the outcome of this one, which is a familiar situation for Michigan, as they have relied on the scoring of guards Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke and Zack Novak all season. Hardaway leads the Michigan attack, averaging 15.9 points per game.
Oakland arrives at the Palace with a 6-3 record that includes losses to No. 19 Alabama and Arkansas and a win over Tennessee. The Grizzlies have a balanced attack with five players averaging double figures. Senior point guard Reggie Hamilton leads Oakland, scoring 20.1 points per game followed by sophomore guard and three-point threat Travis Bader, from Okemos, with 15 points per game.
The game will tip off at 4 p.m. with the television broadcast on Fox Sports Detroit.