💰 How to bet UConn-Michigan

05.04.2026, 21:18 espn.com

We are down to two teams remaining in the men's tournament, as UConn and Michigan (-7.5, O/U 144.5) will clash for the right to cut down the nets. Michigan is seeking its second championship in program history, while UConn is aiming for its seventh.

It's time for one more game and one more bet.

Note: Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publication time and subject to change.

It's a battle of contrasting styles as the up-tempo and explosive offense of Michigan will face the grind-it-out, slow, defensive style of UConn for the right to be crowned a champion. I believe the winner of this game will be decided early, and I give the edge to coach Danny Hurley and his Huskies.

UConn's defense really impressed me against Illinois. It forced the Illini to miss their first six 3-pointers and denied them the chance to get into a rhythm, controlling the game from the outset. Michigan used speed and defense to open up its game against Arizona on a 10-1 run, from which the Wildcats never recovered. The question is whether the Huskies will be able to win a pace battle against a much faster team in Michigan.

The 2026 fantasy baseball season is here! Get the gang back together, or start a brand new tradition.Start or reactivate a league >>

The Wolverines shot 44% from 3-point range against Arizona, which was second in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency and 42nd in the country in 3-point shooting defense. I expect some regression in that department since the Wolverines likely won't be that successful against the Huskies, who are 20th in 3-point shooting defense. UConn also won't be overwhelmed with Michigan's size inside; it handled it well against Illinois, the tallest team in the country.

The game script for UConn is that it can control the pace early with its defense. Once again, the Huskies won a game that stayed under the total, which they've done in three of their past four. They won't win a game that goes over against the fourth-highest-scoring team in the nation. This full game total is the highest of the tournament for UConn by five points. If the Huskies aren't close at the half, I don't like their chances to play catchup. They don't have enough consistent shooting, and they can't play fast, as that favors the Wolverines' style. If Michigan starts fast and shots are falling, UConn will have a real struggle to get back in the game unless the Wolverines go through a scoring drought.

I think Hurley's scheme and gameplan will be enough for UConn to hang close for the first 20 minutes. If the Huskies can do that, they will have enough confidence to do it the rest of the way. His players are built for this game, and they aren't here because of luck. They've also already knocked out three other Big Ten teams: UCLA, Michigan State and Illinois. UConn is certainly live to win this game outright, so don't be afraid of the money line sprinkle as well.