Overview
- Saturday’s second‑round game at KeyBank Center pairs the Wolverines and Billikens after both topped 100 points in their openers.
- Saint Louis enters as the nation’s No. 2 three‑point unit at 40.5%, featuring four high‑volume shooters above 41% and an offense run through 6‑10 playmaker Robbie Avila.
- Michigan brings a pronounced size edge with 7‑3 Aday Mara, 6‑9 Morez Johnson Jr., and 6‑9 Yaxel Lendeborg, with Mara posting 19‑7‑6 and Johnson scoring 21 in the first round.
- Coaches pointed to defense, depth and tempo as swing factors, with Michigan eyeing a high‑possession game and Saint Louis stressing stops to fuel transition.
- FanDuel lists Michigan by 12.5 points, and media predictions tilt toward the Wolverines advancing, including a forecast of 83‑74.