In a rematch four years in the making, the Michigan Wolverines are gearing up to face the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. The much-anticipated game, which is part of a home-and-home series, will take place this afternoon at 12:30 p.m. The clash between these two teams has been long overdue, with their last meeting occurring on December 14, 2019, where Oregon emerged victorious with a narrow 71-70 overtime win in Ann Arbor.

Both teams are aware of the significance of this rematch, especially as Oregon has won the past two meetings in the series, each by just a single point. The rivalry potential between the Ducks and Wolverines has been further fueled by Oregon coach Dana Altman suggesting that Michigan still owed his team a game, following the cancellation of the originally scheduled return trip amid the 2020-21 season. With Oregon joining the Big Ten starting next season, the stakes are even higher for a potential budding rivalry.

Coach Altman expressed his anticipation for the game, noting the importance of the support from the home crowd. He mentioned that a big crowd could provide a much-needed energy boost for the Ducks, particularly on the defensive end. Facing a nationally recognized brand like Michigan adds another layer of intensity to the matchup, and the team is eagerly looking forward to the challenge.

However, Oregon will have to overcome a size disadvantage in this game, as they will be without their centers N'Faly Dante and Nate Bittle. This forces the Ducks to adjust their playing style, relying more on an outside-in approach rather than an inside-out game due to their lack of size without the two bigs. Coach Altman acknowledged the impact of their absence, highlighting the defensive prowess Dante brought to the team and Bittle's contribution in terms of shot contesting and rim protection.

On the other hand, Michigan poses a formidable challenge with players like Tarris Reed Jr., who averages over 7.0 rebounds per game, and a lineup that boasts five players shooting over 35% from beyond the arc. The combination of size and shooting threats makes for a difficult matchup against a still-developing Oregon squad. Recent losses to Santa Clara and Alabama demonstrated the Ducks' need to find their stride.

Coach Altman recognized Michigan's formidable attributes, highlighting their physicality and their recent stretch of tough games. Both teams will be equally motivated to bounce back from a series of defeats and get their seasons back on track.

As tip-off draws near, excitement is building for this long-awaited rematch between Michigan and Oregon. The battle on the court promises an intense showdown as both teams aim to assert their dominance. With the Ducks looking to maintain their winning streak over the Wolverines and Michigan seeking revenge, fans can expect a fiercely contested game that could potentially shape the trajectory of this burgeoning rivalry.