Friday’s Sweet 16 shootout between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines promises a sugar rush of offensive action, boasting a rare 173-point Over/Under.
To put those potential points into perspective, the NCAA Tournament has only had four games close with a total that high in the past 27 years.
If you’re looking to sweeten what is already a diabetic coma of a contest, my Alabama vs. Michigan player props and March Madness picks have you covered for March 27.
Alabama vs Michigan props
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Aday Mara |
Over 2.5 blocks | +115 |
 Labaron Philon |
Over 2.5 threes | +102 |
| Morez Johnson Jr. |
Over 7.5 rebounds | -125 |
Prop #1: Aday Mara Over 2.5 blocks
The reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is not only the top rim protector in the land — Aday Mara is quick and long enough to get a piece of perimeter jumpers.
He turned away four shots in Michigan's win over Saint Louis, which plays a similar rim-and-three style as Alabama. In the game before that, Mara rejected three attempts from Howard in 21 minutes.
The pace of Friday’s contest — along with the Crimson Tide's shot volume — presents ample opportunities for the 7-foot Spainard to say “No, gracias”. Projections sit as high as 4+ blocks in Chicago.
Prop #2: Labaron Philon Over 2.5 threes
We know Alabama is going to fire up a ton of triples, and that outside activity could spike given how tightly Michigan defends the interior.
This may be a “trade 3’s for 2’s” approach for the Tide if they can’t get to the rim. The game script also has Alabama (+9) playing from behind, putting even more emphasis on their 3-point production.
Labaron Philon hasn’t attempted fewer than seven shots from beyond the arc in five straight games, including a combined 5-for-15 from distance in the NCAA Tournament.
He’s knocked down three or more triples in 11 of his last 17 outings, and we could get his highest 3-point volume of the season versus UM.
Prop #3: Morez Johnson Jr. Over 7.5 rebounds
With a total north of 170 points and two teams that fire up a Costco pack of field goals, the rims at the United Center are going to get a workout.
Rebounds are ripe for the picking, so I'm looking at Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr.
He’s grabbed 18 total rebounds over two tournament games and has excelled on the boards against the Big Ten’s more active outside offenses, posting double figures versus teams like Purdue, Illinois, and Nebraska.
Johnson will be pulled away from the paint against Alabama’s offense, having to match up with the smaller Amari Allen. That, however, could put him in prime rebounding position, as the Tide’s 3-point shots often produce long rebounds.
The sophomore's strength and nose for the basketball have his projections flirting with 10 boards.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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