The Michigan Wolverines and UConn Huskies face off in the National Championship Game tonight.
This should be a terrific game between a dominant Wolverines squad anchored by transfers, and a Huskies program aiming for a third title in four years under Dan Hurley.
My UConn vs. Michigan predictions and March Madness picks are betting on the Wolverines to cut down the nets thanks to their strong interior play and outside shooting.
See how that factors into my UConn vs. Michigan same-game parlay picks for April 6.
Our best UConn vs Michigan SGP
The UConn Huskies are a well-coached team with championship experience and a strong starting lineup. That said, they had some struggles down the stretch, losing twice to Saint John's while also dropping games against bad Creighton and Marquette teams.
They beat Illinois 71-62 in the Final Four but had razor-close wins in the previous two rounds.
Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines are the highest-rated team in KenPom history and have looked unstoppable in the tournament, winning every game by more than 12 points. That includes their 91-73 Final Four beatdown of Arizona, which was widely considered the second-best team in the country.
The Wolverines clobbered the Wildcats despite leading scorer Yaxel Lendeborg playing just 14 minutes due to ankle and knee injuries. Lendeborg will play in the Final, and even if he isn't at full strength, the Wolverines have the size, athleticism, and depth to give UConn fits.
Two of the biggest reasons for the Wolverines' recent domination has been their red-hot perimeter shooting, and the offensive improvement of Aday Mara.
Five-star freshman Trey McKenney went 4-for-6 from deep against Arizona, and has drained more than 1.5 threes in eight of the last 12 games.
UConn's best perimeter defender Silas Demary Jr. will likely guard PG Elliot Cadeau, giving McKenney a more favorable matchup against Braylon Mullens or Solo Ball, the latter of which is dealing with a foot sprain.
Meanwhile, Mara has scored 14+ points in eight of the last 11 games, including a 26-point performance against Arizona's elite interior defense. Michigan will need the 7-foot-3 center on the floor as much as possible to battle Tarris Reed Jr, and he could carry more of the offensive load if Lendeborg is limited.
With Mara controlling the paint and McKenney bombing threes, the Wolverines should win their first title since 1989.
UConn vs Michigan SGP
- Michigan moneyline
- Aday Mara Over 13.5 points
- Trey McKenney Over 1.5 threes
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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