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Expert prediction

NCAA Sweet 16: Alabama vs Michigan Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 27)

  • Richard Pereira
  • Mar 27, 2026 at 5:11 PM EDT

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • The Crimson Tide dispatched Texas Tech in the Round of 32.
  • The Wolverines routed Saint Louis in the second round.
  • This marks the second all-time matchup between the two squads.

The NCAA Tournament is now down to 16 teams as the Sweet 16 remains on going with a matchup between the SEC’s Alabama Crimson Tide and the Big Ten’s Michigan Wolverines. The latter comes out as the solid favorite, paving the way for many factors to come into play for this showdown.

How to Watch

  • When: Friday, March 27, 7:35 pm ET
  • Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
  • How to Watch: truTV/TBS

NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines

TeamOddsSpreadTotals
Alabama-110+9O173
Michigan-110-9U173

Game Preview

The Crimson Tide (25-9) cruised to victory in the opening rounds, blowing out Hofstra and Texas Tech to get to the Sweet 16. Latrell Wrightsell Jr. led the Tide with a game-high 24 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and 6-of-9 from deep. Houston Mallette came off the bench to record 15 points and eight boards while Amari Allen (12) and Aiden Sherrell (10) also hit double figures. Labaron Philon Jr. added a near triple-double with nine points, a career-high 12 assists and six boards in the victory.

Dusty May and the Wolverines (33-3) cruised to the Sweet 16 after dominant wins over Howard and Saint Louis. Aday Mara finished with 16 points, five rebounds and four blocks. Yaxel Lendeborg led the squad with 25 points as he added six rebounds and knocked down three triples, while Morez Johnson Jr. chipped in 15 points and a game-high eight boards. Elliot Cadeau added 12 points on three triples with four rebounds and a game-high eight assists

Saint Louis vs Michigan Head-to-Head

The two programs have had one meeting in their history, and the result is 1-0 for the Crimson Tide. The last matchup was in November 2009 when Alabama won 68-66.

Saint Louis vs Michigan Predictions

The winner of this matchup will go to the Elite Eight as they face the victors between Tennessee and Iowa State. This will be the toughest matchup to date for Michigan in the tournament, having to fend off valiant efforts from Labaron Philon and Latrell Wrightsell. If the Wolverines can get strong performances from Yaxel Lendeborg and Elliot Cadeau among others, they can secure their spot to the next round. Our betting pick here is the Wolverines to defend a 9-point spread.

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