A classic Big Ten-Pack-12 matchup will decide the Final Four.
The No. 1 Michigan Eastern Region finalist met No. 11 UCLA on Tuesday with a tipoff scheduled for 9:57 a.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium. The game will be broadcast on TBS.
Michigan (23-4) is in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2018 under second-year coach Juwan Howard. Wolverine continues unabated despite the loss of forward Isaiah Liver, and his selfless game stood out in a 76-58 win against Florida State in the Sweet 4. Michigan tied a season high with 19 assists against the Seminoles.
UCLA (21-9) is the first time since 2008 in the Elite Eight under second-year coach Mick Cronin. The Bruins could score an unexpected run from the First Four to the Final Four, which continued with an 88–78 win over Alabama in the Sweet 16.
The Wolverines and Bruins have met four times in the NCAA tournament, and UCLA is 3–1 in those matches.
Here’s everything you need to know about betting on Michigan vs. UCLA in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, including updated odds, trends, and our prediction for the Elite Eight game.
Michigan vs UCLA betting odds
- Spread: Michigan-7.5
- over under: 137
- money Line: Michigan-330, UCLA +270
Three betting trends to watch
– Michigan is 19-8 against the spread, the second-best record among teams left in the tournament behind Oregon State (Beavers 22-9-1).
– The Wolverines are 7–1 this season, having a five-point or less favorite and are 2–2 straight against Pac-12 teams in post-1985 tournaments.
– UCLA is 5–3 against the spread as an underdog, but are 4-4 straight in that position.
Michigan key players
Freshman Hunter Dickinson leads Michigan with 14.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. The 7-1 center also specializes in passing dual teams. Franz Wagner is a 6-9 wing that scored 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in Michigan’s last two tournament wins. Guards Eli Brooks and Mike Smith make up an experienced backcourt, and Brooks has been a hot shooter through the tournament. Brandon Johns Jr., Chaundi Brown and Austin Davis are outstanding players who have stepped up in Levers’ absence.
UCLA Key Players
Johnny Jujang and Jaime Jacquez have been dynamic scorers for the Bruins through tournament runs: they average 21 and 16.8 points per game, respectively. Tiger Campbell, Jules Bernard and Cody Riley are part of a balanced start five. Campbell scored 13 points and had five assists in a win against Alabama. Reserve David Singleton scored 15 points and is a valuable sub for the Bruins.
Best Individual Matchup: Jujang vs Wagner
UCLA’s four-guard lineup is a challenge for the Wolverines, and Wagner can slide over the Jacques in a few sets. Wagner, however, is an excellent defensive player on the perimeter. UCLA can compete with Xujang, whose basket ability will test Wagner. Brown could get more minutes for Michigan as a result of UCLA’s perimeter depth.
Michigan vs UCLA State to know
UCLA is 9-1 when it forces opponents into 13 turnovers or more, but Smith and Brooks at Michigan have an experienced guard tandem. The Wolverines have had more than 13 turnovers in eight matches, in which they are 7–1. The Bruins can still pay if they are sloppy with Michigan basketball.
Find out … Brandon Johns Jr.
Levers’ absence has been well documented, but Johns continues to provide valuable minutes for the Wolverines as the next man. Johns has not only averaged 9.8 points and 5.3 boards in four games, but also emerged as a complementary player in Michigan’s offense. To test UCLA’s internal defense, see Johns joining the high-low post game.
Michigan vs UCLA Prediction
UCLA should warm up to 3-point range early in this game. Michigan has shot 35.5 percent from that distance in the tournament, but the Wolverines have compensated for it by 20 assists per game in the tournament. Michigan share the ball well, and it will be able to break UCLA’s defense in the second half in a row. Dickinson also has an advantage in the post, and Wolverine will be down the stretch. Howard played in the 86–84 thriller between the teams in 1993. Michigan won that game, and they would win this one as well.
final score: Michigan 80, UCLA 72
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