Michigan vs. Villanova Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
The No. 11 Michigan Wolverines look to write the next chapter of their Cinderella run in the NCAA Tournament as they come into tonight’s clash with the No. 2 Villanova Wildcats as underdogs again. The Wolverines look comfortable in this role after already knocking off Colorado State and Tennessee, while the Wildcats have yet to be truly tested in the Tournament. Oddsmakers opened with Villanova set as a 4.5-point favourite on the NCAA odds board and that number has bumped to -5. The total is currently holding at 135.
Michigan vs. Villanova Sweet 16 Point Spread and Betting
Both of these teams have covered their respective point spreads through the first two games of the Tournament and so far the point spread handle is slightly favouring Villanova in this one. The Wildcats have become a very popular team among bettors over the years as they’ve now covered in 17 of their last 21 Tournament games as a favourite. There’s lots of love for Michigan, too. The Wolverines had little trouble with Colorado State as a 1.5-point favourite and then overcame a five-point halftime deficit to grind out a win over No. 3 Tennessee as a 6.5-point underdog. Michigan checks in at +4100 to win the Tournament while Villanova is at +1200.
Michigan Wolverines (11)
Michigan is looking for a second straight trip to the Elite Eight and they just might get there if the duo of Eli Brooks and Hunter Dickinson stays hot. Dickinson, the 7-foot-1 centre, put up 28 points, 11 rebounds and four assists against Tennesee, while Brooks chipped in 23 points, three rebounds and five assists. The pair is averaging 43.5 points combined so far in the Tournament, so it’s pretty clear where the focus will be tonight. As good as the club’s offence has been – especially inside – there are concerns on the other end of the floor. Michigan’s defence ranked 78th nationally overall and has an especially tough time defending outside shots. The Wolverines hope Davante’ Jones (concussion) will be good to play. Reports indicate he was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.
Villanova Wildcats (2)
Villanova has won its first two games by an average of 15 points thanks to a methodical and balanced offence paced by star guards Collin Gillespie and Justin Moore. The Wildcats will look to slow the game down and try to get Dickinson in foul trouble early because they don’t have the size to match him inside with just one player taller than 6-foot-7. If they can do that while hitting from outside and getting to the foul line, this veteran club will be in good shape. They take care of the ball above all else. But if it turns into a track meet or the Wildcats get cold from outside, a fourth trip to the Final Four under coach Jay Wright may be a lot to ask.
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