Pedro Oliveira
One of the clear favorites to go as far as possible in March Madness faces a team that is finally beginning to show its potential after a season full of irregularities: Villanova University will face the University of Michigan in the Sweet 16, and both will look to get a place in the Elite 8.
The Wildcats had no problem winning solidly against Ohio State University (71-61) while the Wolverines have two upsets in a row after dispatching to the universities of Tennessee and Colorado State.
Picks and Predictions for the Villanova Wildcats vs Michigan Wolverines NCAA Basketball Championship Sweet 16 Game on March 24
- Where: AT&T Center – San Antonio, Texas
- When: Thursday, March 24, 7:15 PM ET
- Betting Line: Villanova Wildcats (-4.5) vs Michigan Wolverines (+4.5)
Villanova Wildcats Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 28-7
- Conference Record: 16-4
- Spread: -4.5
- Over/Under: Under 135.5
- Moneyline: -210
Entering with a seven-game winning streak, the Wildcats have been able to dominate every team they have in front of them and with Collin Gillespie (20 points, four assists) and Jermaine Samuels (17 points, eight rebounds and two steals), Ohio State University couldn’t even get a lead throughout their playoffs in the second round.
Being in these advanced stages of the tournament, fatigue will affect more, and not having a deep rotation could be a problem at critical moments. This seems to be Villanova’s main disadvantage, having only six players consistently watching more than 20 minutes per night. This is what Gillespie plays in, where his performance lasts, the Wildcats team could last by being much less efficient the offense without its star on the field.
Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 19-14
- Conference Record: 11-9
- Spread: +4.5
- Over/Under: Over 135.5
- Moneyline: +175
Hunter Dickinson has been everything the Team led by Juwan Howard could hope for: an absolute star in this March Madness tournament, having in the second round against the University of Tennessee 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in 38 minutes of play. Eli Brooks also put in an excellent performance with 23 points, three rebounds and five assists.
So far all the inconsistencies that Michigan showed have faded as the rounds progress: they are a much more orderly and focused offense in their assignments, also having the fact that much of their game is based on their big star, and so far it has not been able to be neutralized.
Villanova will probably focus more on limiting Dickinson to take hold of the Wolverines’ offense, but it’s an easier task said than done. Michigan’s pace has been impeccable so far, but this is by far the most difficult opponent they have faced so far and they will let you know as soon as the game starts.
JefeBet Prediction
We believe Villanova has the tools to put the brakes on Michigan’s Upsets streak, and while Dickinson may have decent play, it won’t be enough of individuality to beat a great like the Wildcats at this point in the tournament. Villanova will enter the Elite 8 in a close win against the Wolverines.
