NCAA Basketball: 2018 Hall of Fame Tip-Off preview and predictions

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Michigan Wolverines Head Basketball Coach John Beilein shouts out instructions during the second half of the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at Crisler Center on November 10, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Holy Cross Crusaders 56-37. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 26: Maik Kotsar #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the Florida Gators in the first half during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional at Madison Square Garden on March 26, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Favorite of the Tip-Off

With George Washington still looking for a win, it comes down to the three power conference teams for who’s the favorite. And although they’ve struggled on offense, it’s hard to go against Michigan. The Wolverines defense is just on another level and in a matchup against a young Gamecocks perimeter, they could struggle against the size and toughness of Jon Beilein’s team. The same could be said for the freshmen Reeves and David Duke of the Friars.

Team most likely to knock off the favorite

What gives Providence the best chance of the three to beat Michigan is that they would have the best player on the court in Alpha Diallo. It’s early but it appears that he’s in a breakout campaign for this season and is the clear-cut No. 1 option for the Friars. With the Wolverines not scoring at a high level right now, a big game by Diallo could be just enough to pull off the upset.

Team who needs the title the most

Michigan is projected to be a tournament team barring an epic collapse in conference play, while George Washington’s goal should be not to finish last in the Atlantic 10. South Carolina isn’t projected to be a tournament team but has at least 10 chances in SEC play to get a win as good as Michigan should they fail to do so.

That leaves Providence, who’s in what seems to be a turbulent Big East season. Outside of Villanova, there isn’t a team you’d feel comfortable betting money on making the Big Dance – including the Friars. There’s a strong chance that Ed Cooley’s team will accumulate losses in conference play and can’t afford too many in the non-conference. Plus, a win over the Wolverines might be just as strong as any not named Villanova.

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