Michigan vs. Purdue

Purdue is getting too much respect from oddsmakers against this hungry and hot Michigan squad. The Wolverines entered this event on the NCAA Tournament bubble. They strengthened their resume with a 72-70 overtime win against Northwestern in the second round Thursday and again with Friday's thrilling 72-69 victory over top-seeded Indiana. Zak Irvin (11.8 points) had 17 points against the Hoosiers and has led the Wolverines in scoring in each of their three upsets over ranked league opponents this season, including a season-high 22 in a 61-56 home victory versus the Boilermakers on February 10. Michigan has excellent balance, sixth in the Big 10 in points scored and allowed, plus scoring margin (+7.5). They are also third in free throws. With 25 wins already, Purdue is in the Big Dance and the Boilermakers are 3-7-1 ATS against a team with a winning percentage above .600. And when these rivals clash the underdog is 6-3-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Play Michigan.