NCAA Tournament 2018: TV Schedule for Villanova vs. Michigan Championship

Victories for No. 3 Michigan and No. 1 Villanova set the table for the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship on Monday at the Alamodome.

The Wolverines started slow Saturday but overwhelmed No. 11 Loyola of Chicago in the second half, putting an end to the program's Cinderella journey. ESPN Stats & Info outlined Michigan's strong finish:

The Wildcats started their Final Four contest on a 22-4 run and never looked back at fellow No. 1 Kansas, which couldn't keep pace with its opponent despite shooting 45 percent from the field.

Both programs will celebrate their Final Four victories for a short period before focusing on the ultimate prize. Let's break down the final matchup between the Wildcats and Wolverines.

NCAA Championship Date and Time

No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 3 Michigan: Monday at 9:20 p.m. ET on TBS

Michigan vs. Villanova Preview

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In the bigger picture, would you lean toward the squad with an elite offense and average defense or the team that can lock down an opponent on the defensive end and scores timely buckets?

That's what you will see in the championship game between Villanova and Michigan. Skeptics questioned whether the Wildcats could sustain their high-volume scoring via sharpshooting throughout the tournament. They answered emphatically in their Final Four matchup against the Jayhawks, as ESPN Stats & Info highlighted:

The Wildcats rag-dolled a Kansas team that scored just two points below its 81 points-per-game average for the year. Villanova's hot hands haven't been in a tight contest down the stretch, but that could change against the No. 8 defense in points allowed Monday.

For the Big East champions, freshman forward Omari Spellman has emerged as a key contributor during the tournament on both ends of the court. Junior forward Eric Paschall almost saw perfection from the field in his previous outing, converting on 10-of-11 shot attempts and 4-of-5 from three-point land.

Without mentioning the Wildcats' two leading scorers, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, it's clear the Wolverines will have their hands full on the defensive end. 

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But Michigan, which is riding a 14-game win streak and is the Big Ten champion, deserves respect. Only three opponents have cracked 70-plus points during the streak. The Wolverines have the ability to score with an experienced group that includes Moritz Wagner, Charles Matthews and Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, but there's less pressure because of an unyielding defensive play.

Wagner, who put together one of the best Final Four performances in recent history, will likely need another top-notch outing to compete with Villanova's firepower. According to ESPN Stats & Info, the junior forward's most recent showing compared to those of two NBA Hall of Famers:

The power forward took on the Ramblers as a one-man band early in their Final Four matchup. Defensively, Michigan managed to stay within striking distance. However, a double-digit lead for Villanova could lead to disaster for head coach John Beilein's group.

The Wolverines will attempt to chase the Wildcats off the three-point line to avoid a scorching loss, but they will also need all hands on deck in the scoring department.

Will Villanova claim a second title in three seasons, or does Michigan win a championship for the first time in 29 years?

Click here for B/R's Printable Bracket.