Alabama Crimson Tide vs Michigan Wolverines Picks and Prediction for Friday, March 27, 2026
Use Code WWWC Alabama meets Michigan in the Sweet 16 on Friday at the United Center in Chicago, with tipoff at 7:35 PM ET on TBS and truTV. Alabama is 25-9 after wins over Hofstra and Texas Tech, while Michigan is 33-3 after defeating Howard and Saint Louis. Michigan is a 9.5-point favorite, and the total is 174.5. Continue to cash in with our free college basketball picks.
Alabama Crimson Tide Preview
Alabama played at one of the fastest tempos in the country during the regular season, averaging 91.6 points while allowing 82.5 points per game. The Crimson Tide relied heavily on perimeter scoring and ball movement. Labaron Philon Jr. averaged 21.6 points and 5.0 assists, leading the offense as both a scorer and playmaker. Amari Allen averaged 11.6 points and 7.0 rebounds, giving Alabama interior production to complement its guard play. Aden Holloway averaged 16.8 points, adding another scoring option that defenses had to respect. Alabama’s game plan was clear all season: push pace, create spacing, and generate high-volume scoring opportunities.
That style has continued into the tournament. Alabama is averaging 90.0 points and 46.5 rebounds through two NCAA Tournament games while allowing 67.5 points. Philon has averaged 19.0 points and 9.5 assists, continuing to push the offense. Latrell Wrightsell has stepped into a major scoring role at 17.5 points per game in the tournament, including a 24-point performance against Texas Tech. Alabama showed in that game that it does not rely on one player, as the offense still reached 90 points despite Philon scoring just nine. The ability to generate scoring from multiple guards and wings makes Alabama difficult to slow down for a full 40 minutes.
Key Injuries - Alabama Crimson Tide
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- Keitenn Bristow - Game Time Decision
- Davion Hannah - Game Time Decision
- Aden Holloway - Game Time Decision
- Collins Onyejiaka - Game Time Decision
- Charles Bediako - Out
Michigan Wolverines Preview
Michigan entered the tournament as one of the most balanced teams in the field. During the regular season, the Wolverines averaged 87.4 points and allowed 69.6 points per game. Yaxel Lendeborg averaged 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, providing consistent scoring and rebounding throughout the season. Morez Johnson Jr. averaged 13.4 points and 7.3 rebounds, anchoring the frontcourt, while Elliot Cadeau averaged 10.1 points and 5.7 assists as the primary playmaker. Michigan shot 51% from the field and averaged 18.8 assists per game, behind strong shot selection and excellent ball movement.
Michigan is averaging 98.0 points through two tournament games while allowing 76.0 points. Lendeborg has led the scoring at 17.0 points per game, while Cadeau has averaged 8.0 assists to keep the offense flowing. Aday Mara has been a major factor inside, averaging 17.5 points and 3.5 blocks in the tournament, giving Michigan a strong interior presence on both ends. In wins over Howard and Saint Louis, Michigan consistently created quality looks and controlled long stretches of play with its shooting, size, and passing. The Wolverines have shown they can score in different ways, whether through inside production or perimeter shooting.
Key Injuries - Michigan Wolverines
- Winters Grady - Game Time Decision
- Ricky Liburd - Out
- L.J. Cason - Out
Alabama Crimson Tide vs Michigan Wolverines Pick - Spread
- Alabama +9.5
Michigan has the edge in size and defense, but Alabama’s scoring ability will keep this within reach. The Crimson Tide have already shown they can reach 90 points against quality opponents, and their pace makes it difficult for opponents to build and hold large leads. Michigan is the more complete team and will control much of the game, but Alabama’s perimeter scoring and depth give the Crimson Tide a way to stay close throughout. Taking the points with Alabama is the better play in a game that should feature plenty of scoring from both sides.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs Michigan Wolverines Pick - Over/Under
- Over 174.5
The total remains high, but the matchup still supports the over. Alabama averaged 91.6 points per game in the regular season, and Michigan averaged 87.4, with both teams increasing that output in the tournament. Alabama is at 90.0 points per game through two rounds, while Michigan is at 98.0. Both offenses are producing consistently, and neither side is likely to slow the tempo enough to keep scoring down for a full game. With multiple scoring options on both squads and strong recent form, this game will finish over the closing line, which is currently 174.5.
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