Time:<\/strong> 9:39 PM ET \/ 6:39 PM PT
Broadcast:<\/strong> CBS
Location:<\/strong> State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA
Spread:<\/strong> Auburn -8.5 | Total: 153.5<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michigan vs Auburn Betting Preview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We’ve got two teams that are riding much different waves in the betting market heading into this one. The word on Michigan has been out for over two months: The Wolverines have been elite at winning (but not covering) close contests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michigan went 2-13 against the spread over its last 15 regular season games. Entering the Big Ten Tournament, the Wolverines had not won a game by more than four points since January 12. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since the start of the Big Ten Tournament, Michigan is 5-0 straight-up and against the spread with outright upset wins over Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Maryland and Purdue. Auburn bettors wish that they were riding a similar wave right now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Tigers went 10-2 against the spread to open the season, but Bruce Pearl’s team has had a bullseye on its back ever since. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Auburn is 1-5 against the number in its last six games, and the lone cover (against Creighton) only got there by one bucket. Is this the buy-low spot on Auburn and the sell-high spot on Michigan? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wolverines have been involved in 14 games decided by three points or fewer this season, and Michigan has won each of the last eight of those. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Per betting analyst Evan Abrams, Michigan’s 13 wins by four points or fewer is the most in a season since Bradley did it in 1985-86. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Auburn has played six games against Big Ten opponents since 2020 and the Tigers have gone 6-0 straight-up, 5-1 against the spread in those contests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to this being a Sweet 16 matchup, we’ve also got some juicy personnel storylines to sift through. Michigan’s starting point guard Tre Donaldson transferred to Ann Arbor from Auburn where he played for the past two years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michigan’s starting forward Danny Wolf transferred to Ann Arbor from Yale. Why is that important in this contest? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yale knocked Auburn out of last year’s NCAA Tournament and Wolf had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists against the Tigers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, we believe that we’re going to see some points in this matchup. One of the biggest reasons why Auburn was struggling down the stretch was the Tigers’ willingness to put opponents on the free throw line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Auburn was No. 310 in the country in free throw rate allowed this season, and the Tigers were even worse in SEC play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michigan vs Auburn Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Per college basketball analyst Will Warren, Michigan is 19-4 straight-up when the Wolverines attempt at least 20 free throws per game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Auburn’s defense sent Alabama State to the free throw line 19 times last Thursday. If you can’t defend Alabama State without fouling, then you’re going to struggle against better competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since February 1, Auburn’s defense is bottom-25 in the country in foul rate. On the other side, Michigan’s turnover woes are going to turn into some easy buckets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this point, everyone knows the Wolverines are going to commit some turnovers, but Dusty May has his team playing through those issues as best they can. We’re expecting to see some points in Atlanta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michigan vs Auburn Prediction: Over 153.5<\/h3>\n\n\n\nFREE March Madness Betting Guide Now Available<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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