Published Mar 30, 4:56pm ET by
Gabriel Kozlow - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 30, 4:56pm ET
Updated Mar 30, 4:56pm ET
The Final Four is set, and we have the Michigan Wolverines taking on the Arizona Wildcats in what promises to be an intense matchup. This is what March Madness is all about, so expect an entertaining game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
|
|
|---|---|
| ARIZONA WILDCATS | +102 |
| MICHIGAN WOLVERINES | -122 |
The Michigan Wolverines continue to cruise through the tournament, beating each opponent in convincing fashion. They defeated Tennessee by 33 points in a 95-62 win, led by Yaxel Lendeborg, who finished with 27 points and 7 rebounds. Arizona opened as the favorite, but Michigan has since moved to -1.5 on the spread.
For More March Madness Betting Odds and Predictions, See the Full Hub
Both Arizona and Michigan feature strong offenses. However, the Wolverines hold the edge in points per game, field goal percentage, and assists. Michigan will need to stay quick, move the ball well, and avoid letting Arizona’s perimeter defense dictate the pace. The Wolverines will also need to protect the glass, as Arizona is a very strong rebounding team.
Arizona played a solid game against Purdue, but it also benefited from the Boilermakers shooting just 38% from the field. Koa Peat finished with 20 points, while Motiejus Krivas added 12 rebounds. Arizona now faces its first true test against Michigan, a team that has not won a tournament game by fewer than 12 points.
Brayden Burries, who is averaging 16.1 points per game while shooting 50% from the field, will need to come out aggressive and deliver a huge performance. Tobe Awaka must also be an enforcer on defense and on the glass, as those areas could be key for Arizona in this matchup. The Wildcats may also need to double-team Yaxel Lendeborg at times in an effort to slow him down.
Michigan is slated as the favorite with a 1.5-point spread, despite opening as the underdog. The over/under is a high 157.5, with the moneyline set at -122 for Michigan and +102 for Arizona.
Both teams have won one national championship, with Arizona claiming its title in 1997 and Michigan winning in 1989. This game feels like a coin flip and may come down to which team is hitting its shots. We expect Michigan to continue its dominant run and advance to the national championship.
|
Pick
Michigan Wolverines (-122)
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
