A clash between the two finalists of the 2018 NCAA men’s basketball tournament. #18 Michigan is coming to a hostile #8 Villanova court who has not lost a home game since Feb. 7 2018. These teams have faced each other twice H2H with Nova claiming victory each time. The most recent game being last season's championship match. This year, both teams come into this game with a 2-0 record. Both teams have had fairly easy opponents up to this point and have not been tested to this degree. Each team lost key players during the off season, but both squads also return more than enough talent to be serious factors again this year. Michigan is averaging under 60 points per game this season, while allowing an average of 40. Villanova on the other hand, is averaging 93 points per game, while allowing 65.
On paper, the Wildcats at home -7 looks like a gift, but we think Michigan will come into this game far more focused. We expect Michigan starting the game out with a hawking defense, but may not be able to hold up for the entire 40 minutes. This opens up a great play for Michigan +4 in the 1st half.
Pick: (2 units) Michigan 1st Half +4 -105