Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (32-5 SU, 23-9 ATS) vs. Michigan Wolverines (32-7 SU, 24-12 ATS)
Time: March 31st, 2018 6:05 PM ET
Where: San Antonio, TX
TV: TBS
by Keith, Professional College Hoops Handicapper, Predictem
Odds
Point Spread: Michigan -5.5
Total Line: 129.5
In this contest, Michigan opened as a six-point favorite. Since then, the market has descended by a full half of a point to reflect the action on Loyola-Chicago. After this, some stream rolled in on the Wolverines to push it back up to its current spot. On the Over/Under, the market has ascended by 3.5 points to reflect the action on the Over. On the Money Line, Michigan is a -240 favorite while the Ramblers are a +200 underdog.
Every college basketball fanatic has been waiting, and now the Final Four is finally here. A ticket to the National Championship Game is on the line when the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers and the Michigan Wolverines face off on Saturday, March 31st, 2018 at 6:05 PM ET. These two teams have never met before in their respective programs histories. The two teams enter off impressive wins in the Elite Eight. For Loyola-Chicago, their storied run at history continues. After navigating a slew of Power Conference opposition in the early rounds of action, the Ramblers had gotten by their toughest test with flying colors when they defeated Kansas State by a score of 78-62. The Ramblers had won their First Round, Second Round, and Sweet Sixteen matches by a margin of just three points combined. All of these games were in thrilling fashion. Michigan comes in off a 58-54 win against Florida State in their Elite Eight contest. Michigan has made a lot of waves previous to the tournament as they are also the champion of the B1G Conference. Michigans resume of wins, includes Montana, Houston, and the Aggies of Texas A&M.
From a betting perspective, there are several trends worth taking a look at for this match. First and foremost, Michigan is undefeated in their last thirteen games. More impressively, Loyola-Chicago has not lost in their last fourteen matches. This streak is the nations best. From an against the spread perspective, Loyola-Chicago is 23-8-1 ATS in the previous 32 games. Moreover, Loyola-Chicago is 4-0 ATS in March Madness.
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Loyola-Chicago is as about as battle-tested as they come. This team plays with no fear and will take on anyone, anywhere. The Ramblers are not your typical mid-major team. Loyola-Chicago will not even bat an eye at Michigan and play their game as they always have. Given the fact, they will be getting points here as a mid-major outfit against a Power Conference Champion there is an avenue here to exploit if you are looking for the possibility of inflated points.
There are very few poor words that can be said about Michigan. The Wolverines have all the makings to be a championship team. This squad plays rugged defense and can have five shooters on their floor all capable of draining threes at will. The Wolverines are a team that can dominate this contest if they get a hot hand early.
From a public money perspective, we have seen 52% of the cash and 56% of the ticket action come in on the Wolverines, at this point. Additionally, we can derive is that 63% of the consensus like Loyola-Chicago in this spot. For the Over/Under, 78% of the public money and 79% of the ticket action is on the Over.
The public loves a Cinderella team. So far, Loyola-Chicago has shown they have all the makings of such a team. Given the inspirational story of the Ramblers, we might find late money come back on Loyola-Chicago given the fact the public is bound to bet with their heart more than their heads in this scenario. This is often a dangerous position to take. Michigans defense has been the foundation for the Wolverines success this season, and they have done exactly what they wanted against whoever they wanted. This team is hitting its stride at the right time, and we get a chance to take them back here at a friendlier price. Grab the Maize and Blue.
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