No. 4 UConn faces No. 16 Michigan in a national championship rematch on Friday at TD Garden in Boston. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. The Huskies opened the season with an 86-46 win over Gardner-Webb, while the Wolverines defeated Oakland 84-68.
Odds and Predictions
UConn is a 7.5-point favorite with the over/under at 142.5 points. The Huskies are -310 on the money line. Head coach Dan Hurley recorded his 200th career win in the opener. Braylon Mullins led UConn with 20 points, while Na'jai Hines added 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Michigan's Title Defense
Michigan, the defending national champions, aim to become the first Big Ten team to win back-to-back titles. Guard Elliot Cadeau, the top returning player, averaged 10.5 points and 5.9 assists last season and earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. Freshman Trey McKenney scored 17 points in the opener, and Roddy Gayle Jr. also had 17 points. Transfer J.P. Estrella contributed 15 points.
SportsLine's computer model projects Michigan to cover the spread in 51% of simulations and the over to hit in 69% of simulations. Michigan defeated UConn 69-63 in last year's title game. Both teams have retooled rosters with transfer portal additions, which may affect early-season defensive chemistry.
