UCLA vs. Michigan: The best betting props for the Elite Eight

The final matchup of the Elite Eight is perhaps the most intriguing of the bunch, as the 11-seed UCLA Bruins take on the one-seed Michigan Wolverines (9:57 p.m. ET, TBS).

Michigan hails from the Big 10, whose reputation as the best basketball conference in the country took a serious hit with the elimination of all but one of their schools prior to the Sweet 16. Meanwhile, UCLA was the third program from the overlooked Pac-12 to advance to the Elite Eight.

It will be exciting to see who moves on to the Final Four here. But not to be forgotten is the array of available prop wagers for this clash. Let’s take a look at a trio of them below.

Total Points by Michigan (Over/Under 71.5)

The line on total points for Michigan appears to have been set a little low, presenting a value opportunity for Over bettors.

Despite the loss of second-leading scorer Isaiah Livers (foot injury), the Wolverines have managed 81.3 points per game thus far in the NCAA Tournament. That includes their 76-point performance against Florida State – a team many “wise guys” had advancing – in the Sweet 16.

Hunter Dickinson has not disappointed for Michigan thus far, averaging 14 points per tournament game, and reserve guard Chaundee Brown has scored 33 points in his last two games alone.

Take the Wolverines to eclipse their team total against a UCLA squad that not only played an extra game just to make it into the tournament, but could be exhausted following their second overtime game of March Madness.

NCAA Pick: Over

Total Points by UCLA (Over/Under 64.5)

UCLA has managed 78.5 points per game in the tournament, but those numbers are inflated by their overtime appearances. They’ll go toe-to-toe with a Michigan defense that limited an extremely talented Seminoles squad to 58 points in the Sweet 16.

The Wolverines hold opponents to the 14th-lowest shooting % in the nation (39.3%), and they’re 28th in defensive rebounds (31.1), surrendering minimal second chance opportunities. Expect Johnny Juzang and the Bruins to fall just short of their team total on Tuesday.

NCAA Pick: Under

First Half moneyline

Michigan has been a better first half team than UCLA throughout the year, and the numbers bear it out.

The Wolverines have produced 36.4 points per first half this season (47th), compared to 30.9 points against per first half (63rd). The Bruins have mustered only 34 points per first half (124th), while allowing 31.6 (92nd).

Don’t be surprised if Michigan goes coast-to-coast in this one.

NCAA Pick: Michigan -220