Image Credit: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire
The Elite 8 matchup in the East region features #1 Michigan versus #11 UCLA, two-storied programs with a lot of history and pride. Michigan is looking to return to the Final Four since their last appearance in 2018 and UCLA is aiming to make a long-awaited return trip to the Final Four as they last made it in 2008, when they were led by former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Tuesday night’s game, including the current March Madness betting odds, betting trends, and more.
Michigan vs UCLA Betting Odds
Michigan is not only a favorite on paper but there are a fairly big favorite according to oddsmakers too. Below are the betting odds from both DraftKings and FanDuel.
FanDuel Odds
| FanDuel Michigan Sportsbook Review | Point Spread | Moneyline | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | -7 (-110) | -310 | O 136 (-110) |
| UCLA | +7 (-110) | +250 | U 136 (-110) |
DraftKings Odds
| DraftKings Michigan Sportsbook Review | Point Spread | Moneyline | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | -7 (-109) | -315 | O 135.5 (-113) |
| UCLA | +7 (-110) | +240 | U 135.5 (-107) |
Since the opening, Michigan has remained at least a 7 point favorite at almost all online and mobile sportsbooks across the country. Some sportsbooks moved to -7.5 but only a handful of books, such as the Wynn Las Vegas, have kept their line at -7.5. There is still a full day until tip-off but we don’t expect the line to move before Tuesday night.
Michigan Vs. UCLA Betting Trends
- In their last 20 games, Michigan is 14-6 against the spread.
- This season, Michigan is 7-1 against the spread when favored by 5 or more points.
- Since 1985, Michigan is 2-2 straight up against Pac 12 teams in the NCAA Tournament.
- Against Big 10 teams, UCLA is 1-5 straight up over their last 6 games.
Game Preview
You’ll be hard-pressed to find an expert that picked UCLA to make it to this year’s Elite 8 but nevertheless, the Bruins are here and one game away from their 18th Final Four appearance.
UCLA has proved that they can play with anyone in the country having just defeated #2 Alabama in overtime 88-78. While they can score, it’s been the defense that’s put them in this position. During the tournament, the Bruins are holding each of their opponents to under 33% shooting from three point range and are forcing turnovers at a high clip (their current turnover margin is +18).
If UCLA can continue their stellar defense at the three-point line and force Michigan to turn the ball over, we may see a #11 seed advance to the Final Four for only the 5th time in tournament history.
On the flip side, Michigan has been shooting the ball well all tournament long (over 50% from the field across all of their games). Additionally, they are coming off a dominating performance over #4 Florida State, beating the Seminoles 76-58 in the Sweet Sixteen, and seem to be clicking on cylinders as their opponents during the tournament are shooting just 40% or under from the field.
One area Michigan seems to have an advantage over UCLA is on the glass. During the tournament, Michigan has outrebounded its opponents by a margin of +25. Whereas UCLA has been outrebounded three out of their last four games.
As for who wins, it’s anyone’s guess but we suspect a close, highly entertaining game.
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