Overview
Sports betting guides show Michigan and Villanova have recent history together in the NCAA Tournament. Once again, the Wildcats will be favored over the Wolverines, only this time it won’t be for a national title like it was in 2018 when Villanova won the program’s third crown and second under Jay Wright when it beat up Michigan 79-62.
However, for some betting on March Madness, another beatdown may serve the Wolverines right.
Michigan, which entered the tournament as an 11-seed after finishing eighth in the Big Ten during the regular season, has now reached the Sweet 16 in the past five NCAA Tournaments.
Now, the Wolverines will have to deal with Big East champion and perennial power Villanova to punch their ticket to the Elite 8. What Michigan will be able to do will leave anyone studying betting guides on the edge of their seats.
Last games records
Michigan beat Tennessee 76-68 on March 19. The Wolverines are 19-4.
Matchup Information
Michigan at Villanova Betting Analysis
Michigan Wolverines Betting Analysis
Despite being average on neutral/road games — Michigan is 9-9 — and 4-7 against ranked teams, the Wolverines turned the tables on SEC champion Tennessee in the second round.
The Wolverines suffocated the Volunteers in the second half of a come-from-behind victory. Center Hunter Dickinson has been the catalyst for Michigan, averaging 24.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the two tournament games.
Despite the recent hot streak, it has been a season of major peaks and valleys for the Wolverines. Those realities are reflected in their season averages.
Michigan allows 69.5 points per game on defense, which ranks 205th nationally. The Wolverines also allow their opponents to shoot 44.7 percent from the field, which is 262nd best.
Offensively, Michigan is efficient when it can get good looks. The Wolverines shoot 47.1 percent from the field, which is 38th nationally. Michigan’s 3-point shooting is in the middle of the pack, as the Wolverines shoot 34.1 percent.
Villanova Wildcats Betting Analysis
The Wildcats have won seven in a row and have appeared to have a workmanlike approach since the NCAA Tournament started. Villanova won comfortably against Delaware and Ohio State to reach the Sweet 16. Senior point guard is the engine that makes Villanova go as he averages a team-high 16.0 points and 3.4 assists per contest.
Defensively, is where the Wildcats shine. Villanova limits its opponents to 63.6 points per game, which ranks 36th nationally.
The Wildcats also hold opponents to 41 percent shooting from the field, which is 54th. Villanova has held its past five opponents to 65 points or less, including limiting Creighton to 48 in the Big East title game.
The Wildcats are also on pace to be the best free-throwing shooting team in NCAA history. Villanova shoots 82.5 percent from the charity stripe, which is set to break a record previously held by Harvard.
Updates
Neither team has any recent injuries of note.
- Michigan is 15-18 against the spread.
- Villanova is 18-16-1 against the spread.
- The over has a record of 21-12 against the total in the Wolverines’ games.
- The over has a record of 17-18 against the total in the Wildcats’ games.
- Michigan is 6-12 against the spread following a win.
- Villanova is 13-11-2 against the spread following a win.
Michigan at Villanova Betting Preview
March Madness betting odds have Villanova as a five-point favorite. Anyone making March Madness bets can also wager on the over/under, which is currently set at 135 points.
Michigan at Villanova Betting Prediction
If it weren’t for No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s run to the Sweet 16, it is likely that Michigan be in the running for the tournament’s biggest Cinderella title. However, with a program like the Wolverines have, it is hard to believe many people still don’t resent the fact they got in with what many view to be a subpar resume.
But it is past the point of complaining about whether Michigan should be in the tournament or not. Colorado State and Tennessee both found out the hard way the Wolverines can be dangerous.
Michigan’s challenge is trying to knock off a disciplined Villanova squad that has just as much experience in the tournament the Wolverines do. Gillespie has been efficient throughout the postseason, and it is likely he will send Villanova on to the next round and give the Wildcats a chance to head back to the Final Four.
Back Villanova -5 to send Michigan back to Earth.
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