Saturday’s Final Four nightcap features two of the best teams in the nation, the Michigan Wolverines and the Arizona Wildcats. The most certain is that the winner will be chosen to cut down the net as the national champion on Monday night. It is also a guarantee that this battle between the number 1 seeds will be at the top of the entertainment.
Tipoff at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana is set for 8:49 pm ET on TBS. Here is my prediction for Michigan vs. Arizona.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Arizona Wildcats odds
Money line: Michigan -125 / Arizona +105
Spread: Michigan -1.5 (-110) / Arizona +1.5 (-110)
Total: Over 157.5 (-112) / Under 157.5 (-108)
Michigan Wolverines vs. Arizona Wildcats: Arizona ML (+105)
The key for Arizona in this matchup is to contain Michigan beyond the three-point line. That is one area where the Wolverines excel and the Wildcats fail. Of course, it’s not like Arizona I won’t remove three balls; it is simply not needed as his ability to score around the basket is very high. More good news for cats is that they protect the cycle very well. Big Blue may be shooting nearly 45 percent from the field during the NCAA tournament, but it won’t be easy to repeat that number in this semifinal matchup. Arizona has the ability to take on Michigan down the stretch, so the Wolverines’ dynamic offense may not be as crazy as it is against stronger foes. Koa Peat, Motiejus Krivas, Tobe Awaka, and Ivan Karchenkov are all talented low defensemen for the Wildcats.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd, who gave his program an extra boost by silencing North Carolina’s contract extension rumors, has a team that excels in turnover margin (it’s worth noting that UM is below average in that department), rebounding margin, and free throw rate. Arizona also has an excellent backcourt thanks to Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley — and guard play often makes the difference in March Madness.
Anything less than a championship game would be a disappointment. As a bit of a mixed bag underdog, Arizona has value.
