NCAAB March Madness: UC San Diego vs Michigan Must-Watch First Round Matchup - Odds & Predictions
The #12 UC San Diego Tritons (30-4, 27-7 ATS) face the #5 Michigan Wolverines (25-9, 16-18 ATS) in Denver for NCAA Tournament First Round action on Thursday at 10:00 pm ET.
Player crouching on basketball court
Latest Odds (DraftKings):
- Michigan: -2.5 points (-108)
- Moneyline: Michigan -120 / UC San Diego +142
- Total: 142.5 points (Under -112)
Michigan Analysis:
- Recently won Big 10 Tournament as underdogs
- Improved from 8 wins to 25 under coach Dusty May
- Strong physical presence with bigs Vladislav Golden and Dustin Wolf
- Sub .500 ATS record (16-18)
- Ranked 14th in AP Poll before tournament
UC San Diego Analysis:
- 30-4 record with 27-7 ATS
- Nation's #1 defensive rating (91.4)
- 6th in points allowed (61.6 per game)
- Led by Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (19.5 ppg) and Tyler McGhie (16.4 ppg)
- 14-1 ATS with 4+ days rest, 5-0 ATS at neutral sites
- Won 15 straight games
Key Factors:
- Michigan's size advantage could be decisive
- UC San Diego's defensive efficiency (ranks 32nd adjusted)
- Michigan's physical Big 10 style vs UC San Diego's tournament-style play
- Foul trouble potential for Michigan's bigs
Predictions:
- Under 142.5 points (-112)
- Michigan -2.5 points (-108)
Michigan's size advantage and ability to draw fouls should be the difference-maker in what projects to be a close, defensive battle. The late start time and unique matchup dynamics favor the under.