Nova Report
The Cats are in San Antonio to take on Michigan in a Sweet 16 matchup. Tip is 7:29 eastern. Nova is -5/135.
The Wolverines are a bit like Nova?s last opponent, Ohio State, except they have Hunter Dickinson (6?11?). He?s averaging 24 ppg in the tournament and can shoot inside and outside quite well. Michigan also features guard Eli Brooks (19.5 ppg) who can fill it up from anywhere. Devante Jones is their point guard extraordinaire who can easily go for double digit assists. Like Ohio State, they live in the paint offensively and defensively. Their 3 point shooting and 3 point defending is average at best. They also play at a slow pace.
The last time Nova was in San Antonio, they beat Michigan to win the 2018 NCAA Championship. Both Samuels and Gillespie played in that game. But these are new teams with different matchups. Nova is used to defending taller players?.not that they?ve fared well but they can do it. Verses Ohio State, the Buckeyes stars played great but still lost as Nova shutdown the rest of the team. I suspect they will plan to do that again this evening.
What Will Happen: Nova will try real hard to pile up fouls on Dickinson. Similarly, Brooks and Jones will attempt the same on any Nova player as depth is an Advantage for Michigan as Nova plays only 6 players. Nothing will change on the Wildcat offense, post up and pitch, hit the 3?s, look for openings to the hoop. This looks like a defensive battle tonight. Nerves of the Sweet 16 plus two clubs who are getting better each game defensively.
Villanova should pull this one out.
My Nova pick: going with a 5 point teaser-Nova pick/Under 140.
Nova Pick Record:14-20-1
💪Elite 8! Go Cats!