Wolverines vs. Sooners: CBB Best Bets & Sharp Analysis

Michigan Wolverines (8-2 SU, 6-4 ATS) vs. Oklahoma Sooners (10-0 SU, 6-4 ATS)

When: Wednesday, December 18th, 9:00 PM (ET)

Where: Spectrum Center, NC, Charlotte

TV: ESPN2

Point Spread: MICH -2.5/OKL +2.5

Total: 151.5

Money Line: Michigan Wolverines -146/+119

Notable Injuries

Wolverines

Sooners

• Jadon Jones (Questionable) Back
• Jeff Nwankwo (Out) Achilles

Recent Form

Michigan Wolverines Recent Game/Games

Michigan dropped to 8-2 on the season after a narrow 89-87 loss to Arkansas on Tuesday. The Wolverines, who were -4.5 favorites at home, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 176, surpassing the over/under line of 148.5.

Michigan led 49-45 at halftime but allowed 44 points in the second half while scoring 38. The Wolverines will need to tighten up defensively as they move forward.

Oklahoma improved to 10-0 on the season with an 80-65 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Sooners entered the game as -4.5 favorites and covered the spread with the win. The total points for the game were 145, falling short of the 153.5 O/U line.

Oklahoma took control early, leading 43-26 at halftime. They added 37 points in the 2nd half, but allowed 39 points, which is something they’ll look to tighten up moving forward.

Analysis

Michigan’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 87 points on 57.6% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 64.4%, thanks to 63.4% shooting on two-pointers and 44.4% from beyond the arc.

Boogie Fland led the way with 20 points and seven assists despite shooting just 33.3% overall. Vladislav Goldin was efficient, hitting 77.8% of his shots, while Danny Wolf contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.

Michigan’s defense struggled in this one, allowing 89 points on 57% shooting from the field. The Wolverines couldn’t contain their opponent inside, giving up 63% shooting on two-point attempts.

From beyond the arc, Michigan’s defense allowed eight threes on 44% shooting. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 18 times, where they made 11. Michigan gave up eight offensive rebounds.

Oklahoma’s offense put up 80 points in their last game, shooting 49.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 55.7%. They hit 57.9% of their two-point attempts and 34.8% from beyond the arc, making eight threes on 23 attempts. At the free-throw line, they connected on 12 of 19 shots, good for 63.2%.

Sam Godwin led the way with 20 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 71.4% from the field. Marchelus Avery added 19 points, hitting 3 of 4 threes, while Jeremiah Fears contributed 17 points and five assists. Kobe Elvis knocked down five threes, shooting 71.4% from deep and finishing with 15 points.

Oklahoma’s defense held their opponent to 65 points, with a field goal percentage of 39% (22/56). Inside the arc, they allowed 17/38 shooting (44%).

From three-point range, Oklahoma limited their opponent to 5/18 shooting (27%). They also sent them to the line 25 times, where they made 16 free throws (64%).

Betting Trends

• The Wolverines are 3-2 ATS in their last road games and 3-2 straight-up.
• Oklahoma has played well in their previous three home games, going 3-0 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 80 points per game while allowing 73. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting underdog, the Sooners have gone 3-2 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 2-3.
• Although the Wolverines have a strong straight-up record in their last five games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the spread going 2-3.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

I have Michigan just slightly ahead of Oklahoma in my early season CBB power rankings, and given that this one is being played on a neutral court, I think getting the Wolverines at -2.5 is a great value. Look for this to be a fun one to watch, and I’m expecting a lot of scoring. On the spread, I’m taking Michigan to cover, and if you’re looking of a play on the total, I’d take the over.