Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images. Pictured: Eli Brooks of Michigan.
#1 Michigan vs. #11 UCLA Odds
| Projected Spread | Michigan -9.9 | |
| Projected Total | 132.99 | |
| Projected ML | Michigan -417 | |
| Time | TBA | |
| TV | TBS | |
| Projected odds based on our initial PRO Projections. Odds will be added once they’re released. | ||
How Michigan & UCLA Match Up
| Michigan | vs. | UCLA |
| 260 | Tempo | 332 |
| 25 | eFG% | 83 |
| 49 | TO% | 62 |
| 119 | OR% | 84 |
| 241 | FTR | 152 |
| 8 | DeFG% | 198 |
| 335 | DTO% | 254 |
| 59 | DR% | 37 |
| 25 | DFTR | 91 |
| All stats via KenPom. | ||
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What To Know About Michigan
Alongside the likes of Gonzaga and Baylor, the Michigan Wolverines will enter the NCAA Tournament as one of the favorites to win it all. Michigan ranks fifth in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, according to KenPom, and can score however it wants to on offense.
Big man Hunter Dickinson leads the Wolverines at 14.3 points per game while shooting nearly 60% from the field, and Juwan Howard’s team also ranks in the top-20 nationally in 3-point percentage. Bettors will love that the Wolverines are 17-6 against the spread this season. They may have to make do without senior Isaiah Livers, but they have enough depth to ensure that’s not a devastating loss.
A bigger concern against the elite teams in the country would be if Dickinson gets in foul trouble, which would hurt their interior defense and change the complexion of their offense. They have the depth and talent to beat any team, even on an off-night, and are clearly a threat to win the title. And don’t forget about the uber-efficient and not talked about enough Franz Wagner, who is so cirtical on both ends of the floor for the Wolverines. — Matt Trebby
What To Know About UCLA
UCLA snuck into the NCAA Tournament on the back of a very efficient offense that ranks 24th in the country, according to KenPom.
The Bruins slow the game down and look for the best shot, as evidence of their 335th-ranked tempo. They rank inside the top 50 in 3-point-shooting percentage this season, a rate that would be even better if guard Chris Smith didn’t tear his ACL in a New Year’s Eve game against Utah.
The Bruins are fortunate to have gotten into the tournament, having lost their final four games of the season. But now they’re hot at the right time and one game from the Final Four. — Matt Trebby