After squeaking into the tournament, Michigan put together the most complete half of its season against No. 6 seed Colorado State. Michigan pulled off a 15-point comeback and outscored the Rams by 22 in the second half.
Meanwhile, Tennessee put together its best shooting performance of the season against Longwood. The Vols shot 14-for-24 from deep in their 32-point win, with Santiago Vescovi making six of those in an 18-point performance.
But the Wolverines are not the Lancers. Michigan is a potentially dangerous 11-seed who had a very down year.
Can the Wolverines pull off their second straight upset? Or will the Vols roll to the Sweet 16?
Tennessee vs Michigan Odds
Tennessee vs Michigan odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of Saturday, March 19 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Tennessee (-280), Michigan (+230)
- Spread: Tennessee -6.5 (-110), Michigan +6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 136.5 (-110) / Under 136.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Tennessee 71.5, Michigan 65
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Tennessee vs Michigan Prediction
The Wolverines had an impressive game in the first round, but Michigan was basically handed the win. Colorado State turned the ball over down the stretch and shot 30% from inside the arc.
However, Michigan did have advantages on the interior with Hunter Dickinson, and the Wolverines took advantage. Dickinson put up 21 points and six rebounds against an undersized Colorado State interior.
Michigan won’t have that kind of advantage against Tennessee’s shutdown defense. The Vols are second overall in defensive efficiency, finishing top 25 in both eFG% allowed and defensive turnover rate. The Vols will give Michigan’s offense trouble, and perhaps suffocate it.
Meanwhile, Kennedy Chandler has reinvigorated the Tennessee offense. Tennessee actually has a bona fide playmaker in Chandler to pair with an elite sharpshooter in Vescovi. Forward John Fulkerson is no slouch, either.
Tennessee vs Michigan Pick
Tennessee 76, Michigan 68
Tennessee will rely on its defense and put up more than its season average (73.6 PPG) against a weak Michigan defense.
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The Wolverines will hold their own on offense, but won’t do enough to get the job done.
Tennessee vs Michigan Best Bets
Tennessee -6.5 (-110) at Caesars
WAGER: 1 Unit
I don’t trust Michigan’s defense in the slightest. I think Tennessee will roll past the Wolverines.
And we can’t forget that Wolverine starting point guard Devante’ Jones could still be hurt. Even if he does play, he might not be 100%, and that will be costly against a Tennessee defense that thrives on turnovers.
Plus, maybe Michigan is a little overvalued following the big-time comeback against Colorado State. The Wolverines didn’t wake up; the Rams simply melted down.
I’ll be on the Vols in this one.
OVER 136.5 (-110) at Caesars
WAGER: 1 Unit
Fifty percent of the tickets are on the Over, but more than 75% of the handle is. The smart money has caused sharp movement, and I’m ready to back that in this game.
With its terrible defense, Michigan has gone Over in three straight games. Michigan is also 6-2 on the Over as an underdog this season.
I’ll be on the Over up to 137.
