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Michigan vs. Villanova Updated Prediction and Odds for NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen

By Matt De Saro

Delaware v Villanova
Delaware v Villanova / Rob Carr/GettyImages
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The Michigan Wolverines find themselves in the Sweet Sixteen for the fifth season in a row, despite a very rocky regular season. There were many, including myself, who were a little surprised to see them nab such a high seed. But they got hot at the right time, as many teams do this time of year, and now find themselves one win away from their second Elite Eight in a row.

Michigan will have perhaps their toughest test of this tournament on Thursday night when they face off against the No. 5 seeded Villanova Wildcats. Villanova cruised past Delaware in the first round by 20 and then beat Michigan’s Big Ten rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, by 10. Michigan split games with OSU this year but won the final game between the two 76-69. Here are the odds for this Sweet Sixteen showdown, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Michigan vs. Villanova Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Michigan +5 (-110)
  • Villanova -5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Michigan +185
  • Villanova -220

Total: 135.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Michigan vs. Villanova Prediction and Pick

I already covered this game briefly in my Villanova Sweet Sixteen preview here but will reiterate my thoughts nonetheless. The biggest issue I have with the Wolverines here is their lack of offensive depth when compared to the Wildcats.  The only player that opposing teams have to plan around on Michigan is Hunter Dickinson. Other than that, there are no other players who can consistently take over a game for the Wolverines.

Meanwhile, Villanova has not only one but four guys who have to be closely monitored on defense. With four players averaging double digits, it’s no wonder why the Wildcats are the eighth-best team in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency according to KenPom. Nova averages 118.3 points per 100 possessions and I think that is more than enough to send Michigan home before they can make any more noise in the NCAA Tournament this year. 

Pick: Villanova -5 (-110)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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