After a horrible season a year ago, the Michigan Wolverines have had an incredible season. Michigan is 27-9, and it won the Big Ten Tournament Championship this season. In the round of 64, Michigan beat UC San Diego 68-65 and followed it up with a 12-point victory over the Texas A&M Aggies in the second round.
The Wolverines face their most formidable opponent yet, the No. 1 Auburn Tigers, at 9:39 p.m. ET on Friday in the Sweet Sixteen. But before they play the Tigers, let’s evaluate their chances of winning the South Region and getting to the Final Four.
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Michigan to win South Region (+700)
As the season has gone on, Michigan has grown as a group. They have won five games straight while beating tough competition along the way. In their most recent victory against Texas A&M, four Wolverines totaled 10-plus points, with two players scoring 23 or more. Roddy Gayle Jr. scored 26 points while coming off the bench, providing much-needed scoring help for Michigan.
Although Auburn is a very tough opponent, their star big man Johni Broome has only scored 14 and eight points in the NCAA tournament. Broome averaged 18.4 points and 10.7 rebounds per contest this season while being a contender for National Player of the Year. Michigan’s frontcourt features Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin, who combined for 37 points and 21 rebounds against the Aggies. Wolf and Goldin must focus on containing Broome to pull off the upset.
But even if Michigan gets past Auburn, it must win one more game to reach the Final Four. The winner of Michigan vs. Auburn will play the winner of Michigan State vs. Ole Miss. I predict the Spartans will win that matchup. Michigan State is a tremendous defensive team led by guard duo Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson.
If Michigan can make it to the Regional Final, its current odds of +700 on DraftKings Sportsbook would significantly decrease. Tre Donaldson and Gayle have been inconsistent this season, but if they can get hot, the Wolverines can continue their winning streak.
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