NCAA Championship 2013 Game Time: Complete Schedule for Louisville vs. Michigan

The field is set for the 2013 NCAA championship game. The No. 1-seeded Louisville Cardinals navigated the Midwest region and overcame a late deficit against the Wichita Shockers to earn a spot, while the No. 4 Michigan Wolverines won the South and survived a late run by Syracuse in their Final Four meeting.

This promises to be an exciting contest between arguably the two best teams of the tournament, which means you won’t want to miss a single minute of action.

Fortunately, we have you covered here, so keep reading to find out when the national championship tips off, what channel is televising the game, where to live stream the matchup, check out some players to keep an eye on, see our prediction on the final score and much more.

When: Monday, April 8, at 9:23 p.m. ET

Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga.

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: March Madness On Demand

Spread Info: Louisville (-3.5), Over/Under: 138, via Vegas Insider

Injury Report (via USA Today): Louisville G Kevin Ware, Out, Leg 

 

Louisville Player to Watch: Russ Smith

Smith is a dynamic scorer who is capable of putting up points in a hurry, but he's equally prone to bouts of poor decision-making and head-scratching shot selections.

He was a bit reckless against the Shockers on Saturday night, scoring 21 points but shooting a paltry 6-of-17 from the field (4-of-11 from three). Smith also turned the ball over five times compared to just three assists.

However, he made some big plays down the stretch and helped Louisville climb back from a 12-point deficit in the second half. He’s a bona fide superstar who isn’t afraid to keep firing away even when the buckets aren’t coming.

The Cardinals will need his confidence and talent on Monday night when they take on Michigan—a team full of fearless scorers that have unlimited range.

 

Michigan Player to Watch: Mitch McGary

McGary is one of the most unheralded players on the Michigan roster, but he’s also quickly becoming the most dominant in this tourney.

The freshman forward was unstoppable—especially on the glass—against Syracuse, finishing the Final Four showdown with 10 points (4-of-8 shooting), 12 rebounds, six assists and two blocks.

His prowess in the middle allows for the Wolverines shooters to spot up and fire away from deep, knowing that they have a legit force to work for offensive boards or draw extra defenders when he receives the ball.

If McGary can put together another performance like he did against the Orange against Gorgui Dieng, the Cardinals' 6’11” athletic center, U-M will be well on its way to claiming a national championship.

  

Prediction

This game is going to be close, and it’s definitely not easy to pick a winner. However, the Michigan Wolverines have been the tournament’s best team and we’re not about to bet against the momentum they’ve established.

The young men donning the Maize and Blue this spring have come together to play excellent basketball at the right time and have the tools to beat anyone.

Whether the Wolverines go through their superstar, PG Trey Burke, or elite swingmen Tim Hardaway Jr. and Glenn Robinson III, or sharpshooter Nik Stauskas or big man Mitch McGary, they always find a way to get it done.

Louisville will provide the toughest test of the season for this young team, but the Wolverines have proven capable of handling the fiercest of opponents and will walk away with the victory on Monday.

Michigan 81, Louisville 79

 

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