This March, we were spoiled with an epic win by a 16 seed over a 1, some unexpected victories that involved a nun named Sister Jean, and some program-altering buzzer beaters, meshing heartbreak with victorious harmony. As America gets geared up for the national title game, here are five things to watch out for tonight:
1. The spread: The Wildcats open at -7 point favorites over the Wolverines, the second largest pregame spread in the last 15 years, falling short only to North Carolina -7.5 over Michigan State in 2009 (UNC won 89-72). The last team to win as that large of an underdog? UConn over Duke in 1999, where the Huskies overcame a +9.5 line to defeat the Blue Devils for the program’s first of four men’s titles.
2. The stakes: Michigan is attempting to become the 16th school with multiple men’s basketball championships. The Big Ten is in the midst of a 17-year title drought, with Wisconsin having come close if not for a second half rally that propelled Duke to a win over the Badgers in 2015. Villanova is pursuing a dynasty, having also won in 2016 over North Carolina.
3. The coaches: Jay Wright is in position to become the 14th coach to win two or more national championships, his second in three years. John Beilein is still in search of his first ever as a DI coach.
4. The matchup: This will be the fifth ever meeting between these two schools in NCAA history. Villanova defeated Michigan 59-55 win in the second round of the tournament in 1985 as part of the Wildcats’ title run.
5. The stars: Jalen Brunson, the Wildcats’ star guard and the national player of the year, will lead the charge against Moe Wagner and the Wolverines. Wagner became the third player ever to log 20+ points and 20+ rebounds in a Final Four game, joining just Larry Bird and Hakeem Olajuwon. Meanwhile, Brunson and Villanova set an NCAA record with 18 three pointers in a Final Four game.
Titans will clash tonight, but only one can come out on top. Will Michigan’s stifling defense be enough to slow down the scorching shooters of Villanova? Find out tonight at 9:20 pm EST on TBS.
SportSmart 