Michigan Will Battle Villanova In Sweet 16 Matchup

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In recent years, the Michigan men’s basketball team has continued its trend of elevating its performance in the NCAA Tournament.

For the fifth consecutive tournament, Michigan has successfully reached the Sweet 16. This Thursday, they will face off against Villanova in a crucial match, where a victory would secure them a spot in the Elite 8.

The South Region semifinal is set to commence at 7:29 p.m. on TBS.

Michigan vs. Villanova betting odds

The 11-seeded Wolverines started as the underdogs against the second-seeded Wildcats.

Michigan is an underdog by -points, with odds of listed on the moneyline.

The moneyline is in favor of Villanova.

According to BetMGM, the early wagers placed at a sportsbook indicate a strong preference for Villanova, as they ranked as the third most bet team in the Sweet 16.

The spread was heavily favored by online sports bettors at BetMGM, with 68% of bets and 78% of the handle being placed on Villanova.

Villanova led by veterans

The Wildcats possess a well-rounded offense with six players who maintain an average of over 8.5 points per game. Notably, five out of these six players are juniors or seniors.

The team is led by senior guard Collin Gillespie, who averages 16 points and 3.4 assists per game. He excels as a sharpshooter, maintaining an impressive 41.6% success rate from beyond the arc throughout the season.

Per game, Justin Moore, the junior guard, has an average of 15 points and 4.9 rebounds.

Villanova lacks significant size, with their tallest regular player being Eric Dixon, a sophomore forward standing at 6-foot-8.

Villanova’s second-round game on Sunday ended with a 71-61 victory over Ohio State, despite a strong comeback attempt in the second half. With a season record of 28-7, the Wildcats have showcased their dominance, including a notable early-season triumph over Tennessee. It is worth noting that three of their losses occurred during the nonconference schedule against UCLA, Purdue, and Baylor.

Michigan peaking at the right time

Michigan appears to have finally lived up to its preseason expectations as it secured victories in the tournament against Colorado State and Tennessee. These wins mark the first time since February 8 and 10, when Michigan defeated Penn State and Purdue, that the team has managed to win consecutive games.

The Wolverines have managed to achieve their success mostly without the contribution of guard DeVante Jones. Due to a concussion, he was unable to participate in the tournament opener and had to leave the second-round game against Tennessee due to illness. However, it is anticipated that he will be able to play on Thursday.

In their first two tournament games, Hunter Dickinson has emerged as the main focus for the Wolverines, delivering an impressive performance against Tennessee by scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Expect Dickinson to receive ample opportunities, given Villanova’s undersized lineup.

However, in Jones’ absence, the guards have risen to the occasion. Frankie Collins showcased his strength against Colorado State, while Eli Brooks took charge in the game against Tennessee. Brooks proved his worth by scoring 23 points, including a vital sky hook during the closing moments of the game.

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