Image: AP Images The Michigan Wolverines has gone through a massive resurgence of talent and coaching recently, catapulting itself into the conversation for the nation’s best team in 2021.
After the departure of 10-year coach John Beilein a season ago, the team was taken over by Wolverine alum Juwan Howard, who immediately impacted Michigan to a 7-0 start to the season.
The Michigan Wolverines finished the year 19-12 but had the most brutal schedule in all of college basketball. They still pulled off major upsets against a loaded Gonzaga team, as well as other ranked opponents. An inspiring season would have likely been enough to get them into March Madness 2020 if the tournament had not been canceled due to the pandemic.
Coming into the 2021 season, expectations were sky-high for the young Wolverine team, led by young studs Franz Wagner, Isaiah Livers, and a solid core of upperclassmen.
Safe to say, the Michigan Wolverines were able to live up to the hype, finishing the season 20-4, and going on to win the Big10 Tournament with the nation’s 6th best offense and 7th best defense (one of only 3 teams in the top 10 of each – according to KenPom.com).
The fantastic run did enough for the Wolverines to claim a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1992-93, when the Fab 5 lost to UNC in the championship game (third #1 seed in school history).
However, Michigan’s motivating run in 2021 was met with an equally devastating Isaiah Livers injury earlier in the year that has since left a giant hole in the team’s core.
While Michigan is still in a good spot to make a run in the tournament and a pretty safe bet moving forward, it’s time to break down their 1st round matchup.
This weekend the Michigan Wolverines will face off against the winner of Mount St. Mary’s vs. Texas Southern in what should be an exciting matchup. Many believe that Mount St. Mary’s will continue their stunning run since winning their respective conference tournament and knock out an inconsistent Texas Southern program.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Mount St. Mary’s
The Michigan Wolverines now rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Even with Livers’ loss, this team has too much depth and discipline to fall out of the tournament this early.
Meanwhile, Mount St. Mary’s is led by Junior guard Damian Chong Qui averaging 15.1 PPG – 4.2 RPG – 5.5 APG, but they have yet to compete against a quad 1 school. So this one isn’t expected to be particularly close.
The Next Step
If Michigan can indeed pull off a W against a hot Mountaineers team, it could face a lethal LSU team with susceptible defense (amongst the highest in points allowed). Or it can head into a tough game against St. Bonaventure. Although the Bonnies’ squad is low scoring and lacks depth (worst bench in the NCAA), they have been on the run and are stingy defensively.
Even without Livers playing, the Michigan Wolverines should have a significant advantage over its competition throughout the tournament (or at least the first few rounds). It should be a safe bet moving forward.
Michigan sports betting has never been hotter than it is now! As the 2021 team from Ann Arbor could make a serious run at the NCAA title.
The great news is that Michigan is a legal gambling state, and there the best Michigan casinos now also offer sportsbooks. So you can go to a casino to place your bet on the Michigan Wolverines or someone else and watch the game. Or you can bet online from your computer or mobile phone. It’s safe, fun, and 100% legal.
Always gamble responsibly, and now’s the time to back Juwan Howard’s motivated Wolverine squad.
