Arizona vs. Michigan Odds
| Arizona Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -108 | 146 -108o / -112u | +140 |
| Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -112 | 146 -108o / -112u | -175 |
Michigan will not be ranked No. 4 when the rankings are released on Monday after the loss earlier in the week to Seton Hall. However, the Wolverines were able to get back in the win column Friday night with a 74-61 win over UNLV in the semifinals of the Roman Main Event. In the finals, the Wolverines will battle the Arizona Wildcats.
The Wildcats beat Wichita State 82-78 in the semifinals on Friday night, and they hold an 8-2 edge over the Wolverines all-time. This year's matchup features two of the better offenses in the country, which could lead to a high-scoring battle.
Arizona Wildcats
The Tommy Lloyd era has gotten off to a rousing 4-0 start. The Wildcats are averaging 91 PPG, which is eighth nationally. However, it was bit more difficult for Arizona to score against Wichita State. Arizona averaged more than a point per possession in each of its first games against Northern Arizona, UT Rio Grande Valley, and North Dakota State.
Against Wichita State, the Wildcats posted an offensive efficiency rating of 93. The Shockers gave Arizona trouble when they switched to a 2-3 zone, and it did not help matters that Arizona shot 5-27 from three.
The Wildcats are led by their frontcourt duo Azuolas Tubelis and Christian Koloko. Tubelis is averaging 16 PPG, 6.3 RPG. and 1.3 BPG on 62% shooting from the field. Koloko is 13.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 4 BPG on 69% shooting. Zubelis and Koloko have the size and length to match Michigan's frontcourt. On Friday, guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin stepped up with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan is led by National Player of the Year Candidate center Hunter Dickinson. He is averaging 17.3 PPG and 8 RPG on 66% shooting from the field. It would not hurt to see him get a few touches as a Michigan fan. Fifth-year senior Eli Brooks is steady and provides both perimeter defense and 3-point shooting at both guard spots. He is averaging 16.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 2.5 APG on 50% shooting from three this season.
Coastal Carolina transfer DeVante' Jones is averaging 9.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 5.3 APG. He can also be a bit overagressive at times as he has fouled out in two of the Wolverines first four games.
Five-star freshmen forwards Caleb Houstan and Moussa Diabete were the crown jewels of Michigan's heralded recruiting class. Houstan has gotten off to a slow start, averaging 8 PPG and shooting 32 FG% and 28% from three. Michigan needs him to step as a third scorer, but he is capable of being one of the best shooters in the country once he gets going.
Diabete is active and like an energizer bunny off the bench. He is averaging 7 PPG and 5.5 RPG in just 16 MPG. He also became a fan favorite in Vegas after he knocked down two clutch free throws late to cash for those who had Michigan -12.5.
Michigan is averaging 76 PPG this season. The Wolverines are top 10 nationally in Adjusted Offensive and Defensive Efficiency through the first four games.
Arizona vs. Michigan Betting Pick
Michigan and Arizona are both loaded with length, athleticism, and frontcourt talent. Arizona wants to play at a fast pace. The Wildcats are 40th in Adjusted Tempo, and their possessions average 13.9 seconds, fourth fewest in the country. Michigan plays slower than Arizona but is comfortable playing an up-and-down game.
Michigan is eighth in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency while Arizona is 19th. While these are two quality defenses, I see value on the total with the offensive talent in this game.
Hunter Dickinson is a threat to drop 20 points on any given night. Additionally, the Wolverines are averaging 76 PPG without shooting the ball particularly well from three-32%. In Michigan's season opener against a solid Buffalo squad that also likes to get up and down, the total reached 164 points.
Arizona has Tubelis to rely on as its most productive and efficient scorer. However, it could be Mathurin who has a big game tonight. Michigan has already given up big games this season to Buffalo' Jeenathan Williams (32 points) and UNLV's Bryce Hamilton. I see this game being in the 70s and with a total of 142.5, I like this game to go over.
