Oklahoma State vs. Michigan Pick
Can No. 7 Michigan stay hot when it takes on No. 10 Oklahoma State today at 12:15PM ET in the NCAA Tournament?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Michigan is the slight favorite, as the Wolverines are getting odds of -2 points against the Cowboys. The over/under total is listed at 153.5 points. This game will take part in the Midwest Region and air on CBS from Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Michigan is one of the hottest teams coming into the NCAA Tournament, winning five straight and seven of their last eight to get to 24-11 on the season. The Wolverines won the Big Ten Tournament despite finishing tied for fifth during conference play. U-M has covered in its last five as well and is now 16-16 against the spread for the season. On the season, the Wolverines average 74.8 points per game while allowing 65.5 on defense. Over their last five, they are putting up 79.4 points per game and allowing just 63. Derrick Walton Jr. is leading the team with 15.2 points and 4.7 assists per game while Zak Irvin is adding 12.8 points per contest.
Oklahoma State is struggling entering the tournament, losing their last three games to fall to 20-12 on the season. However, the losses were to Kansas and Iowa State. The Cowboys finished fifth in the Big 12 this season, going 9-9 in conference play. The Cowboys are 16-10-1 against the spread this season, including 11-4-1 when on the road. Oklahoma State is putting up 85 points per game this season, but allowing 77.8. However, away from home the Cowboys average just 76.4 points per contest. Jawun Evans is leading the team with 19 points and 6.2 assists per game while Jeffrey Carroll is adding 17.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
This game should be one of the better ones on Friday. Oklahoma State has an explosive offense, but the team is still reliant on three main scorers. Michigan is hot and has developed into a balanced team with the emergence of D.J. Wilson. The big question for Michigan will be is it on too much of an emotional dump after last week’s crazy run to the Big Ten Tournament title? I don’t personally think so. If the Wolverines stay out of foul trouble, I think their balance will lead them to a win and cover today. The Cowboys will struggle too much defensively to contain this offense.
MARCH MADNESS PREDICTION: MICHIGAN -2