Michigan vs. Tennessee Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
The 11th-seeded Wolverines advanced to the Second Round after knocking off Colorado State by a 75-63 score on Thursday. Perched as the No. 3 seeds in the East, the Volunteers extended their current straight up win streak to eight games with an 88-56 demolition of the Longwood Lancers, but have posted just one win in their past three Second Round appearances.
The Volunteers have held steady since opening as 6-point favourites on the college basketball odds, but have commanded a sizeable 67 per cent of the betting action. The Wolverines lag as +193 moneyline underdogs, and the total has risen slightly to 136.5 after opening at 136.
Michigan vs. Tennessee NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting
Saturday night’s matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse marks the third NCAA Tournament meeting between these teams in 11 years. The Volunteers were blown out 75-45 when they faced Michigan in the First Round in 2011, and followed up with a 73-71 loss to the Wolverines in Sweet Sixteen action three years later.
Despite their past dominance over the Vols, Michigan has some work to do to book their ticket to the Sweet Sixteen for the eighth time in nine March Madness appearances. Consistency has eluded the Wolverines, who have posted consecutive wins just once since late January, and have won three straight on just one occasion this season. The Wolverines have also been a risky bet, covering in just nine of 16 overall, but have won outright in seven of 12 while pegged as underdogs by seven or fewer points.
The Volunteers’ crushing victory over the Lancers marks their 16th win in 18 contests. Thursday’s rout also extends their current against the spread win streak to four games, with the Vols romping to victory by double-digit margins in three of those contests. While Tennessee has tallied a respectable 74.3 points per game during their 8-0 run, they have also played ferocious defence. The Vols have limited opponents to fewer than 70 points in seven of eight outings, and to just 56.8 points per game over their past four, and now sit second overall in adjusted defensive efficiency at Kenpom.
Michigan Wolverines (11)
The Wolverines overcame a shaky start in Thursday’s date with the Rams, rebounding from a seven-point deficit at recess on the way to just their third win in 10 dates with nationally ranked opponents. Freshman Frankie Collins stepped up in place of injured point guard DeVante Jones, stabilizing the Wolverines attack with six rebounds while dropping 14 points. Leading scorer Hunter Dickinson once again led the way. The sophomore big man tallied 21 points, and has averaged 22.5 points over his past four outings.
Tennessee Volunteers (3)
The Volunteers faced little resistance in Thursday’s win over Longwood, marching to a 54-29 lead at recess, and have now limited opponents to fewer than 24 first-half points over their past three outings. Junior guard Santiago Vescovi led the attack for a second straight game, with 18 points and seven helpers, while Josiah-Jordan James contributed 17 points and has averaged 9.5 boards over his past two outings.
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