LSU vs Michigan Odds, Lines and Spread
- A berth in the Sweet Sixteen will be on the line as the Michigan Wolverines battle the LSU Tigers
- The top-seeded Wolverines are coming off a dominating win over Texas Southern, while No. 8 LSU vies for a second straight Second Round win
- We’ve got you covered with all the odds and trends ahead of Monday’s East Region matchup
The Michigan Wolverines will be aiming to reach the Sweet Sixteen for a fourth time in as many NCAA Tournament appearances when they take on the LSU Tigers as 5-point favorites. Pegged by critics as the top seed most likely to make an early tournament exit, the Wolverines responded with a decisive 82-66 win over No. 16 Texas Southern in the First Round.
LSU also opened the tournament on a strong winning note, outpacing No. 9 St. Bonaventure 76-61 on Saturday afternoon, lifting the Tigers to 5-1 SU in their past six outings.
Game time and location has yet to be determined for this East Region Second Round matchup.
LSU vs Michigan Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline at DraftKings | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSU | +5 (-110) | +180 | O 148 (-110) |
| Michigan | -5 (-110) | -220 | U 148 (-110) |
*Odds taken at DraftKings on March 20, 2021.
Wolverines Silencing Critics
A weak stretch run left many observers questioning how far the Michigan Wolverines could go at this year’s NCAA Tournament. Ninth-place finishers in the Big Ten last season, the Wolverines finished atop the standings this time around. But the team closed things out with three SU losses in their final five outings, and a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament semi-final.
Michigan (-25) just cruised to an 82-66 win over Texas Southern. 💪
Up next for the Wolverines? LSU. 👀 pic.twitter.com/rRGTNYG1iE
— FOX Bet Sportsbook (@FOXBet) March 20, 2021
The Wolverines silenced the naysayers in Saturday’s date with Texas Southern. The team led from wire to wire, racking up their biggest point total since a 92-87 win over the Buckeyes a month ago. Michigan put away TSU early while reaching 70 points for only the second time in six games. The team took an 18-point lead to the room at halftime, and a stingy defense limited Tigers shooters to just 35.9% from the field.
Michigan Enjoys Historical Edge
History is also on the side of the resurgent Wolverines. The team has won outright in each of their past five Second Round appearances at March Madness, and surrendered an average of less than 60 points in those contests.
LSU has faced Michigan three times in basketball and has gone 1-2.
But the Tigers won the most recent 77-75, back in the 2017 Maui Invitational … and let us not forget the magic that was Tremont Waters in Baton Rouge ⤵️pic.twitter.com/OFlT47VtH3
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) March 20, 2021
Monday’s contest also marks the first time these two teams have met at the Big Dance. LSU and Michigan have clashed on the court on just three previous occasions. The Wolverines have picked up SU wins in two of those contests, but are winless ATS, and fell 77-75 on the road in their most recent meeting with the Tigers, in November 2017.
Tigers Seek Return Trip to Sweet Sixteen
The Tigers are also seeking a return trip to the Sweet Sixteen after leaving no doubt in Saturday’s win. Like the Wolverines, LSU faced tempered expectations ahead of their tournament opener against a Bonnies squad that played very well down the stretch. In addition to their current 5-1 SU run, the Tigers have also been a reliable bet at the sportsbooks.
LSU has now covered in six-straight contests, and in nine of 11 overall, including four outright wins as betting underdogs. A consistent attack has been key to LSU’s success. The Tigers have averaged just under 80 points per game over their past six outings, earning the offense high praise at Kenpom, where they rank fifth in adjusted offensive efficiency.
Starters Stepping Up
A monster effort from the free throw line allowed Cameron Thomas to finish the day with a game-high 27 points. The freshman guard shot 11-for-13 from the line, while sophomores Trendon Watford and Aundre Hyatt each contributed double-doubles in Saturday’s win.
FINAL | No. 8 LSU 76, No. 9 St. Bonaventure 61
Cameron Thomas scores a game-high 27 points to lead LSU onto the Round of 32 and end SBU's season.
Bonnies shot 3-of-20 from 3-point range and were out-rebounded 49-30.
— Jeff Uveino (@realjuveino) March 20, 2021
That effort sets the stage for the Tigers to extend what has been a steady track record in March Madness Second Round action. LSU has advanced in three of their past four appearances, but have covered just once over that low-scoring stretch.
The Picks: Wolverines -5 (-110); Under 148 (-110)
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
