So all it took was the NCAA tournament to arrive for Juwan Howard’s Michigan Wolverines to start firing on all cylinders. After getting tossed aside by Indiana in the quarters of the Big Ten tourney, college basketball bettors faded them at online sportsbooks in the first round against Colorado State; it proved not to be the greatest of ideas. They did it again against Tennessee. Admittedly, I was of the guilty party. Having knocked off the No. 6 and 3 seeds in the South Region, Hunter Dickinson and Co. will look to continue playing the role of giant killers as they turn their attention to Jay Wright’s No. 2 seeded Villanova Wildcats who looked extremely impressive in a pair of wins and covers against Delaware and Ohio State respectively. The Buckeyes had Nova on the ropes last Sunday, but couldn’t land the punishing blow late in the contest. The rejuvenated Wolverines just might be able to see it all the way through. As such, I’ll be taking the points and banking on the maize and blue keeping it close and be in a position to steal yet another win and possibly punch back-to-back tickets to the region finals.
Take this Sweet 16 matchup in live on TBS at 7:29 p.m. ET from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX on Thursday, March 24, 2022. BookMaker.eu will have NCAA basketball odds available for this and every game lined up for today’s NCAA Tournament schedule.
NCAA Tournament Odds at BookMaker.eu
Michigan Wolverines +5
Villanova Wildcats -5
Total 135
Odds Analysis
Villanova hit the board as 5-point favorites to punch a ticket to the Elite Eight with the total lined at 135.5. The betting market is yet to move the line one way or the other per early wagering reports though 54 percent of the early bets and 78 percent of the money has aligned itself with the reigning Big East tourney champs. Michigan’s won outright three of the last four times it went off the board dogged, while the Wildcats have covered four of their last six in the favorite role. The total is down a half-point to 135 with 70 percent of the tickets in favor of a low scorer playing out, while 73 percent of the money is backing the over. Michigan conceded 65.5 points in its two played NCAA tournament games, but saw the over cash in both contests. Nova’s defense has been locked in throughout postseason play allowing less than 59 points in the five played games which saw the under cash in four times.
Michigan Wolverines
Since getting off to a wretched first half start against the Rams, the Wolverines offense has been electric. It dropped 46 points on CSU in the second half to score the 75-63 comeback win and cover, and then followed it up by converting at a 50 percent clip against a Tennessee defense that entered the dance making a mockery of its offensive opposition. The main constant has been Dickinson. He went for 21 points and six rebounds against Colorado State, and then followed the solid showing up with 27 and 11 versus the Volunteers. Nova has been susceptible in the paint all season long (No. 129), so another big showing is likely from UM’s premiere big man. I’d recommend investing in his player props, but they’re destined to be inflated and chalky.
Villanova Wildcats
Celebrated CBS analyst Jon Rothstein refers to Villanova as a Fortune 500 Company. That states all you need to know about the way Wright’s teams go about their business on a gamely basis. They get in. Do work. And get out. More times than not, it’s with a win in tow which has exactly been the case 12 of the last 13 times the team took to the hardwood. Before tipping off against Delaware in the first round, it rolled to yet another conference tournament title. It then destroyed the Blue Hens who ended up being one of the more trendy dogs CBB bettors backed in the opening round. While things were touch and go late versus the Buckeyes, the Wildcats hit the big shots when needed to secure the 71-61 win and advance. It’s the company’s “MO!”
Betting Prediction
In Villanova’s three most recent losses dating back to January 19, the opposition’s excelled big man went on to have banner showings to lead their respective teams to victory. Marquette’s Justin Lewis combined for 40 points and 16 rebounds in the pair of Golden Eagles wins, while UConn’s Adama Sonogo went for 20 points, six rebounds, and a pair of blocks in the Huskies 71-69 triumph. Enter Hunter Dickinson – arguably the best big man in the country! Michigan’s offense has flourished in this tournament mostly due to his ability to force opposing defenses to look to contain him every time down the court. Villanova is void of a big body that can bang with him for a full 40. Because of it, I’m taking the points and sprinkling some pizza money on the Wolverines moneyline.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
