Villanova vs. Michigan: Game Time, Props and Predictions for NCAA Championship

The Villanova Wildcats put on a fearsome display in their national semifinal victory over the Kansas Jayhawks, and the Michigan Wolverines ended the storybook run of the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers, as both teams earned their way into the national championship game Monday night in San Antonio.

The game will tip off at 9:20 p.m. ET and will be televised by TBS.

The Wildcats (35-4) have been listed as a 6.5-point favorite over the Wolverines (33-7), according to OddsShark, and Villanova's sensational shooting performance against Kansas may make it difficult for Michigan to come through as an underdog.

Villanova earned a 95-79 victory over Kansas, and the Wildcats had a sensational shooting night. The Wildcats made 36 of 65 shots from the field, and they set a record by making 18 three-point shots in a Final Four game.

The Wolverines were in a tenuous position against Loyola, trailing by 10 points with slightly more than 14 minutes to play. However, their offensive game came to life at that point, and they recorded a 69-57 victory.

The Wildcats depend on Jalen Brunson to trigger their attack, and he had 18 points and six assists against Kansas. However, Eric Paschall led the way for the winners with 24 points as he connected on 10 of 11 shots from the field.

Michigan star Moritz Wagner dominated for the Wolverines with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Charles Matthews also reached double figures with 17 points.

Prior to the start of Saturday's Final Four games, OddsShark provided the odds for the Most Outstanding Player.

While the odds will change since Loyola and Kansas both lost, here's the complete list:

Jalen Brunson, Villanova, +240
Mikal Bridges, Villanova, +450
Malik Newman, Kansas, +750 (eliminated)
Devonte' Graham, Kansas, +800 (eliminated)
Charles Matthews, Michigan, +1000
Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Michigan +1000
Moe Wagner, Michigan, +1100
Donte DiVincenzo, Villanova, +2000
Omari Spellman, Villanova, +2000
Clayton Custer, Loyola-Chicago, +2500 (eliminated)
Eric Paschall, Villanova, +3300
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Kansas, +3300 (eliminated)
Zavier Simpson, Michigan, +3300
Marques Townes, Loyola-Chicago, +4000 (eliminated)
Ben Richardson, Loyola-Chicago, +5000 (eliminated)

Predictions

The Wildcats were the No. 1 team in the nation for the majority of the season before surrendering that position to Virginia.

However, after the Cavaliers were eliminated in the first round of the tournament, the Wildcats were viewed as the team to beat in the NCAA tournament by a number of experts and coaches.

Villanova won the title two years ago, and it has the talent to do it again. Brunson may be the top player in the nation, and the Wildcats have a sensational offensive team. They are averaging 86.8 points per game, ranking first in the nation.

In addition to Brunson, who is averaging 19.2 points per game, the Wildcats have Bridges at 17.6 points per night and DiVincenzo, who is contributing 13.0 points per game.

Wagner is Michigan's go-to guy as he leads the team with an average of 14.6 points per game, while Matthews is scoring 13.1 points per outing and Abdur-Rahkman is right behind at 12.6 points per night.

Michigan is a solid team that plays excellent defense, but Villanova is simply too explosive. The Wildcats should win and get the cover based on their sensational outside shooting.

Brunson is the likely winner of the outstanding player, but the +240 odds are not attractive. On the off chance that Michigan pulls off the upset, the recommendation here is that Wagner is the best bet at +1100.