NCAA Basketball Sweet 16 Preview: Michigan Wolverines vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The West Region in the NCAA Tournament has all four top seeds still remaining, and it should make for some great Sweet 16 games. In the second game of the night, the Michigan Wolverines (2) will take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders (3). Both teams have had little trouble winning their first two games, and this should be a thriller.
Michigan and Texas Tech both spent almost the entire season in the top-10, and both teams get the job done on defense. The Wolverines have held teams to just 52 points per game in the NCAA Tournament, while the Red Raiders are giving up just 57.5 points per night. The first team to 60 points might be the winner in this one, and this game is going to be a battle. Michigan is a -1.5 point favorite over Texas Tech.
Wolverines Can Shoot It
While the Wolverines have generally won with defense this season, don’t sleep on their ability to put the ball in the hoop as well. Head coach John Beilein is known for his offensive game plans, and this Michigan team has plenty of shooters. Michigan is shooting just 35 percent from the three-point line, but they have made over 260 threes this season. If Texas Tech doesn’t guard the perimeter well in this game, Michigan will light them up.
Freshman forward Ignas Brazdeikis has burst onto the scene for the Wolverines, leading the team with 15.1 points per game. Guards Charles Matthews and Jordan Poole have the ability to take over games as well and have combined for more than 25 points per game this season. Point guard Xavier Simpson sets the table for the Wolverines, and hardly ever turns the game over. The Wolverines have plenty of offensive talent this season.
Texas Tech Defense Is Legit
There are a lot of great defensive teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament, but Texas Tech might be the best of the bunch. The Red Raiders hold opponents to just 59.2 points per game this season, and they contest almost every single shot. Forward Tariq Owens has been the best defensive weapon for Texas Tech, averaging 2.4 blocks per game. The Red Raiders also average nearly eight steals per contest.
Texas Tech is an even better shooting team than the Wolverines, making close to 37 percent of their three-point attempts. The Red Raiders have a pair of guards in David Moretti and Matt Mooney, who are both shooting better than 37 percent from deep. Jarrett Culver has been the main man for Texas Tech all season long, leading the team with 18.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Even though the Red Raiders win games with their defense, their offense can score as well.
Michigan Marches On Again
Even though both teams appear to be very similar, Michigan has a huge edge in experience. The Wolverines played in the National Championship game a season ago, and look like a contender again. This will be a low possession game, but the Wolverines just have the better offensive players. Look for Michigan to pull away from Texas Tech at the end. Bet the Michigan Wolverines -1.5 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
