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The Michigan press conference, after defeating Florida, 64-49, to reach the Sweet 16 Tournament of the NCAA Tournament, March 23, 2019.
NCAA, Detroit Free Press

Michigan basketball qualified for the Sweet 16 with a win over Florida, No. 10 on Saturday night.

The Wolverines dropped a few 3 early in the game, but gave up in the second half and held the Gators at less than one point per ball possession.

For a team that has been proud to defend since the start of the season, it was not surprising that Michigan won the match as it did.

And now he will face the only other team that can claim to have the best defense in the country.

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Texas Tech is led by the likely NBA lottery coach, Jarrett Culver. (Photo: Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)

The Wolverines will face Texas Tech, number 3, at Sweet 16 on Thursday in Anaheim. Here is an overview of the Red Raiders, who have progressed after a 78-58 win over Buffalo, No. 6, on Sunday night.

* Statistics entering Sunday

Texas Tech (28-6)

The Red Raiders won a share of the Big 12 regular season title, ending the regular season with a nine-game winning streak before sinking against West Virginia in the conference tournament. .

Texas Tech compares very closely to Michigan: both countries rank at the top of the nation defensive efficiency, according to kenpom.com, and can sometimes fight in attack. The Red Raiders have a high level defense that allows opponents to shoot at only 29.9% on the 3 and 41.4% of the 2 while forcing turnovers on 23.1% of the team's possessions opposing.

The Raiders are ranked No. 37 in offensive efficiency, among the weakest of the remaining 16 teams.

Texas Tech maintained Northern Kentucky at 0.81 points per possession in the first round. The Red Raiders used a 9-0 record before half-time and a 12-3 record to start the second half to eliminate Buffalo in the second round.

Who to know

Jarrett Culver of Texas Tech takes it ahead of Dantez Walton of Northern Kentucky in the first round. (Photo: Jeff Roberson, AP)

Texas Tech has a future second-class NBA lottery choice, Jarrett Culver, leading the team in points (18.8), rebounds (6.4) and assists (3.8).

When Culver is on the ground, he uses 31.1% of his team's assets and 31.6% of the shots. He is not an excellent 3-point shooter, averaging 33% over the season, but remains an outstanding offensive player.

He has a strong support cast around him. The Tariq Owens Center is at both ends, ranking 9th in the country with a blocking percentage of 12.9%. Owens is a good finisher and draws 79% of the free throw line.

Italian goalkeeper Davide Moretti is the team's best shooter, averaging 46% in depth, but will not create much for others. Guard Matt Mooney, a recent South Dakota graduate who would have considered Michigan, completed the initial training and posted an average of 38.6% from the outside. It has a high turnover rate.

First thoughts

In attack, it will be to stop Culver. Michigan is likely to keep it with Charles Matthews, who has been a ballooning elite defenseman in his time in Michigan. Texas Tech averages 36.7% over 3 seconds, which means Wolverines need to limit open eyes from the outside.

These are two teams that have fought all season for the distinction of best defense in the country. Unless improbable, it looks like one of those games where the first team to reach 50 points wins.

Contact Orion Sang at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @orion_sang. Learn more about the Michigan Wolverines and sign up for our Wolverines newsletter.