Saturday's game between No. 24 Michigan and San Diego State on CBS marks the first-ever meeting of the programs, even though they are linked by some of their basketball history. Both the Wolverines and the Aztecs were coached by Steve Fisher, who retired from San Diego State in 2017 after 18 seasons as coach of the Aztecs following a nine-year run at Michigan.
Third-year Wolverines' coach Juwan Howard played for Fisher at Michigan, and fifth-year San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher worked for Fisher at both Michigan and San Diego State before succeeding him as the Aztecs' head man. His run as an assistant at Michigan included Howard's time as a player.
Quaint as those connections may be, there should be plenty of hostility once the players step on the court. The Wolverines are particularly desperate for a victory after a 4-3 start that has them on the brink of falling from the AP Top 25 after after they rose to No. 4 after the season's first week. Wednesday's 72-51 loss to North Carolina was particularly humbling.
As for San Diego State, the Aztecs have suffered both their losses away from home and will need a big day from Matt Bradley. The Cal transfer is a career 39% 3-point shooter but is off to just a 4-for-22 start from beyond the arc with the Aztecs. Both these teams are struggling with outside shooting, but SDSU's 27.6% mark must improve if it is going to be an NCAA Tournament team.
How to watch Michigan vs. San Diego State live
Date: Saturday, Dec. 4 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Crisler Center -- Ann Arbor, Michigan
TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App
Michigan vs. San Diego State prediction, picks
Expect a motivated Michigan team after its 21-point loss to UNC. The Wolverines already have one home loss and should play with an edge in the effort to avoid another one. San Diego State's Nathan Mensah is a great interior defender, but the Wolverines have more size and can wear the Aztecs down in this game. Prediction: Michigan 68, SDSU 64
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