The No. 15 Montana Grizzlies (26-8) square off against the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (28-6) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. The Wolverines opened as a 15-point favorite. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 130.5 points and it is scheduled to start at 9:20 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 21, 2019.
Montana Grizzlies vs. Michigan Wolverines ATS Odds
In the Big Sky Conference Tourney, the Grizzlies covered the 5.5-point spread against the Eastern Washington Eagles, 68-62. The Wolverines, meanwhile, were defeated by the sixth-ranked Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Tourney, 65-60, and failed to cover as 1-point underdogs. The Montana game finished 10.5 points under the projected point total of 140.5, while the Michigan game went 6.5 points under the projected point total of 131.5.
Montana was 9-20 on three pointers (45.0 percent), while Eastern Washington was 5-20 (25.0 percent). Michigan, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (9.6 vs. 12.7). Jon Teske played well for Michigan with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Montana rallied around Michael Oguine, who recorded 12 points and seven rebounds.
Vegas tends to set the total low when the Grizzlies are involved, as 20 of their 33 games have finished over the total. Montana is 26-8 straight up (SU), but they are just 14-18-1 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Montana, Wolverines games have a tendency to finish under the total (61.8 percent). Further, Michigan is 28-6 SU and 19-15 ATS.
It could be a tough game for Michigan on the offensive glass. The Wolverines currently rank 301st in offensive rebounding percentage (24.5 percent), while Montana ranks 48th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.9 percent). Moreover, the Grizzlies’ 31st-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 113.2) will go head-to-head against the Wolverines’ third-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 90.1).
Montana Grizzlies vs. Michigan Wolverines Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Montana, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Montana ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (31.1) while Michigan ranks 145th (34.6).
- The Wolverines allow the 11th-fewest assists per game (10.1) while the Grizzlies rank 21st (10.5).
- Michigan blocks 4.2 opponent shots per game, which ranks 57th in the country. Montana ranks 59th in blocks allowed per game (2.8).
- The Wolverines lead the NCAA with 3.7 steals allowed per game while the Grizzlies are 60th with 5.6 steals allowed per game.
- Michigan ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (16.3) while Montana ranks 55th (20.0).
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Montana and Michigan are both 3-2 ATS.
- The Grizzlies have 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games, while the Wolverines have 3 unders and 2 overs
- The Grizzlies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 8.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.8 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
