One more team will punch it's ticket to the Final Four today between the Michigan Wolverines and the Florida Gators. It's the first of two games to be televised nationally on CBS. The Elite Eight Betting Odds have Florida as a favorite of one possession, either 2.5 or 3 points depending on the book.
Current Odds
Michigan +3 (-110)
Florida -3 (-110)
Total: Over/Under 132.5 (-110)
Michigan probably wasn't expected to be here after trailing by 14 points to Kansas in the team's Sweet 16 contest on Friday night. Yet, after an amazing comeback and Trey Burke scoring all 23 of his points in the second half and overtime, Michigan found a way to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 1994.
Every team that wins a national title has a game like this. Michigan was out-played for several stretches of the game but took advantage of Kansas' lack of leadership and poise down the stretch. It helps that Burke can hit anything from the offensive side of half court, but without a lapse from the Jayhawks in this one, Michigan's season would have been over. But, as it is, the Wolverines are the last Big Ten team left in the tournament and today will play for a chance at the Final Four.
Florida is favored because they have a team that resembles what Michigan has struggled with this year. They play solid defense and have two big guys down low in Erik Murphy and Patric Young that can dominate games on the blocks. All season the Wolverines struggled with teams that forced them to play in the half court and had big men. Yet, against Kansas, the Wolverines actually ended up out-rebounding Bill Self's team. A lot of that credit has to go to freshman big man Mitch McGary, who leads the Wolverines at better than 19.5 points per game in the tournament. McGary got solid minutes during the regular season but has really turned heads in the tournament, knocking bodies around on the interior and becoming an all-important scoring threat for the Maize and Blue.
Burke and Florida head coach Billy Donovan have something in common. In scoring 23 and adding 10 assists against Kansas, Burke became the first player to have 20 points and 10 assists in the NCAA round of 16 since 1987, when Donovan did it.
Florida has gotten to the Sweet 16 three straight seasons and now has advanced to the Elite Eight. In each of their last two seasons the Gators had double-digit leads in the second half but weren't able to close the game. Kenny Boynton's matchup with Burke should be a fun one to watch and if Michigan is allowed to run in transition, which is something Florida is also comfortable with, the Wolverines are going to be in this game from start to finish.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is going to have to come up big for the Wolverines and knock down shots. He didn't have a great game against Kansas and will be looked upon to score in this one today. If Burke draws double teams (which he will) look for Michigan to get some open looks. The Wolverines don't foul teams, so Florida probably won't go to the line a whole lot, and without turning it over Michigan won't give away possessions.
Florida hasn't won a game in double digits all season — they're 0-6. If this game comes down to crunch time, look for Michigan to have the upper hand.
Free Pick: Michigan 81, Florida 78
Reading The March Madness Betting Market
As we head into the month of March, Vegas Runner and RJ Bell will take a look at reading the betting market for this years March Madness.