Every weekday, a panel of our college hoops experts discuss the biggest issues, trends and themes in and around college basketball.
Andy Katz: The Wildcats' defense curtailed the Rams in the semifinals. Michigan had some moments struggling from the perimeter in its game against Oregon, and the Wolverines will need to make 3s to win Tuesday. That means better ball movement to keep the Wildcats' feet moving. It can be done, but Michigan must be patient.
Dana O'Neil: Michigan needs to get out on the Villanova shooters. Part of VCU's problem was that it allowed the Wildcats to get open looks with good ball movement. The Wolverines can't let that happen.
Myron Medcalf: Shooting better than 12 percent from the 3-point line would be a good start. Michigan should be able to spread the floor, using Zak Irvin, Derrick Walton Jr. and Caris LeVert in ways that VCU could not. But the Wolverines also have to play tough inside, and that's the issue. Michigan lacks the muscle necessary to deal with JayVaughn Pinkston and Daniel Ochefu, so it'll need Mark Donnal, Ricky Doyle and others to play big and step up in the post. Otherwise Villanova will bully the Wolverines at the rim, and that could decide the game.
Katz: The former. Niang is as versatile a player as there is in the country. He can stretch the defense and get to the line. He lit up Alabama for 28 points, made all eight of his free throw attempts and tossed in a couple 3s. The Terps will need to shadow him as much as possible. If he has room to roam, the Cyclones will flourish.
O'Neil: Maryland. Niang is a beast, equally adept at scoring and passing the ball. If you double-team him, he will find open shooters.
Medcalf: Maryland. The Iowa State star is a versatile forward who does everything in Fred Hoiberg's offense. He plays on the perimeter, brings the ball up, scores inside and rebounds. He's everywhere, and he's a unique player. Trimble is a top-30 recruit. So his immediate impact is not that surprising. But you can't get too excited about a 31-point performance against a so-so Arizona State squad, an effort that followed modest outings against Fordham, Central Connecticut State and Wagner.
Katz: Pitt. The Panthers got beat by a Hawaii team that lost to San Francisco on Monday. Pitt then throttled Division II Chaminade. The Panthers need to show well in the next two days, getting at least one Division I win on this trip. Pitt's Michael Young scored 27 points and had 15 boards in the win over Chaminade. Let's see how he produces in the semifinals when the competition is no longer in question.
O'Neil: The whole atmosphere -- with the bad Hawaiian shirts, the tiny gym -- makes Maui a great but unpredictable tournament.
Medcalf: Arizona. The Wildcats are certainly the favorites in the Pac-12. But their goals are much bigger than that. Although it's early, it appears that the national title hunt will go through Duke, Kentucky and Wisconsin. The Maui Invitational is a chance for Arizona to make a statement and prove that it's on that level. Convincing wins over Kansas State and San Diego State (in the championship game) would do just that.
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Kansas State got by Purdue in its Maui opener while Arizona pulled away from Missouri late. Questions for the Wildcats center on whom they'll go to late when they need a bucket. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has been that guy so far despite coming off the bench.
Maryland's first test against a ranked opponent is not an easy one. The Terrapins will need to slow down a Cyclones team that gets scoring from everywhere, as six players average double figures.
Villanova handled VCU's pressure with ease thanks to point guard Ryan Arcidiacono's nine assists with no turnovers. He hasn't turned it over more than twice in any game this season.
Shouts to Coach Fish on his 500th career win. Wouldn't want it to come against anyone else.
— The Show(@TheShowSDSU) Nov. 25 2014Andy Katz and Seth Greenberg check in with newsmakers from around college basketball.