Michigan vs UCLA: 2021 NCAA Tournament game preview, TV schedule, odds

The UCLA Bruins look to be the first-ever team from the “First Four” to make the Final Four. All that’s standing in their way is the Michigan Wolverines.

TV schedule: Tuesday, March 30th, 9:57 pm ET. TBS

Arena: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana

Line (via Oddshark): Michigan (-7)

Of all the regions in the NCAA Tournament, it was looking as if the East Region was going to give us a “chalk” Elite 8 matchup before the Final Four. It was widely expected that No. 1 seed Michigan would be facing No. 2 seed Alabama but as we’ve found out throughout this year’s event, expect the unexpected.

The Crimson Tide were able to run through the bracket until the Sweet 16, where they ran into a hot UCLA squad. The Bruins got off to a great start and had a double-digit halftime lead before Alabama came back and tied it at the end of regulation thanks to a three-pointer from Alex Reese.

But even without star guard Johnny Juzang in overtime due to fouling out, UCLA busted out with the first seven points in the extra period to take control. They never relinquished, beating the Crimson Tide, 88-78. Six Bruins scored in double figures, led by 17 points each from Jules Bernard and Jaime Jaquez Jr.

UCLA became the first team from the “First Four” to make the Elite 8, now with four victories in the NCAA Tournament. They have one more test to make it to the Final Four, now against the Michigan Wolverines. The No. 1 seed in the East Region has had an easier time to this point, beating Texas Southern, LSU, and most recently Florida State in the Sweet 16.

The Wolverines took control of this one early against the Seminoles, securing a double-digit lead and never allowing them to get close. The final score was 76-58, with four players scoring in double figures. Hunter Dickinson and Brandon Johns Jr. each had 14 points, while Franz Wagner had 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five rebounds.

Although without Isaiah Livers for the rest of the NCAA Tournament, Michigan still has enough talent to win a national title. And instead of Alabama, they’ll be taking on the 11 seed Bruins. But UCLA has proven to be incredibly tough and resilient and will certainly make this a competitive game.

Still, Michigan’s offense and defense will just be too good for the Bruins to handle and as long as they don’t go 11-25 from the free throw line as Alabama did, they’ll be moving onto the Final Four.

Prediction: Michigan 73, UCLA 60