Villanova and Michigan in a Rematch of Last Season's NCAA Title Game
The fans at Villanova Pavilion will be treated to a game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Villanova Wildcats when they battle in a rematch of the 2017-18 NCAA Championship Game. Most of the familiar faces from that April showdown have moved on to the NBA. Still, there will be excitement in the air when the eighth-ranked Wildcats host the 18th-ranked Wolverines.
TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1
LINE: Villanova -7; O/U: 138.5.
In last season's NCAA Tournament Championship game, the Wildcats topped the Wolverines 79-62 for their second championship in three years. Seven of the 11 players who played over 20 minutes in that game will not be playing tonight.
"We weren't thinking about Wednesday coming into this game. We were thinking about Quinnipiac," senior guard Phil Booth said after Saturday's 33-point win. "That was our main focus. Now it's time to get ready for Michigan."
As for the Wolverines' returning players, that feeling of coming up empty on the biggest stage is one that will stay with them forever.
"I'm still not over it," Jordan Poole said earlier this month. "Being able to have that opportunity right there in our hands and have it separated is a feeling that you won't forget."
Villanova and Michigan are Both 2-0 on the Season
The Wolverines have won their first two games by 19 points. They have allowed a total of only 81 points in the process. Only two teams in the nation are allowing fewer points on average than Michigan.
The Wolverines actually trailed Holy Cross 24-18 at halftime on Saturday before outscoring the Crusaders 38-13 in the second half. Charles Matthews led the way with 20 points, while Ignas Brazdeikis notched 19 in his second career game. The duo is averaging a combined 30.5 points so far on the young season.
The Wildcats are getting a combined 38.5 points out of senior stars Booth and Eric Paschall so far. They duo have made 24 3-pointers as a team. Paschall, who attempted 2.5 free throws per game last season, has reached the foul line 17 times through two games. Booth has nine assists and one turnover through two outings.
Joe Cremo and Collin Gillespie each have a team-high five 3-pointers for Villanova. The Wildcats have attempted 69 shots from behind the arc in the first two contests.
Villanova F Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree has registered three blocks in each game. He has made 5-of-7 shots while pulling down 12 rebounds in 36 minutes.
PREDICTION: Villanova 73, Michigan 70
NCAA Basketball Betting Odds & Trends
| Michigan Wolverines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Michigan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games | ||
| Michigan is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games | ||
| The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Michigan's last 5 games | ||
| Michigan is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road | ||
| Michigan is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road | ||
| The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan's last 5 games on the road | ||
Villanova Wildcats | ||
|---|---|---|
| Villanova is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games | ||
| Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games | ||
| The total has gone OVER in 16 of Villanova's last 23 games | ||
| Villanova is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home | ||
| Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home | ||
| The total has gone OVER in 17 of Villanova's last 23 games at home | ||
| The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Villanova's last 6 games at home | ||
Next up:
Michigan at George Washington Saturday, November 17
Villanova home to Furman Saturday, November 17
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