ESPN analysts predict final score of Alabama-Michigan clash
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ESPN analysts Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf have finalized their score predictions for Friday’s Sweet 16 slate.
That, of course, includes the highly-anticipated matchup between Alabama and Michigan. The Wolverines are big favorites to win this game despite Alabama’s 2 blowout victories during the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Both analysts are picking Michigan to comfortably beat the Crimson Tide on Friday night in Chicago:
- Borzello’s prediction: Michigan 92-83
- Medcalf’s prediction: Michigan 90-80
Michigan has only lost 2 games all season — against Wisconsin in January and against Duke back in late February. The Wolverines are among the favorites to win the National Championship.
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However, Alabama has already been to one Final Four under Nate Oats and is just 2 wins away from another trip. Here’s some analysis from Medcalf about what it would take for the Tide to pull off the upset:
It’s not a secret, but Alabama will need to make a barrage of 3s to have any chance of staying close with Michigan. The Crimson Tide lead the nation in 3-pointers made per game, 3-point attempts per game and 3-point attempt rate. They made 19 3s in a second-round win over Texas Tech. That has to continue against Michigan, as it will be be extremely difficult to score consistently at the rim against Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. Defensively, it’s going to be an uphill battle. Alabama has given up huge scoring efforts to good teams on multiple occasions, and the Crimson Tide rank in the middle of the pack in the SEC in defensive efficiency.
Alabama will still be without Aden Holloway, who is facing 2 felony charges and is currently away from the team. The Crimson Tide are led by star guard Labaron Philon, but it was Latrell Wrightsell Jr. who led them in scoring in their second-round win over Texas Tech with 24 points.
Here’s a look at the latest odds for this game on Kalshi:
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
