As Valentine's Day approaches, Michigan is showing love to its tournament resume, boasting a 22-1 record and a flawless 8-0 mark in Quad 1 games. The Wolverines, with a NET ranking of 1, are poised to strengthen their case for a top seed. Meanwhile, UCLA, solidly in the tournament field with a NET ranking of 38, seeks to bolster its own resume with a Quad 1 win on the road. The Bruins' 2-5 record in Quad 1 games makes this matchup a critical opportunity to boost their tournament stock.
Michigan Has Won 12 Straight at Home
The CHD Scout prediction favors Michigan by 18.7 points, with a 93.2% win probability, suggesting a decisive victory for the hosts. Michigan's impressive quad record, including 8-1 in Quad 2 games, demonstrates its ability to dominate against tough opponents. UCLA, on the other hand, has struggled in Quad 1 matchups but has excelled in Quad 4 games, going 9-0.
CHD Scout Prediction
UCLA
68
Michigan
86
Given the significant disparity in their NET rankings and quad records, it's challenging to envision UCLA pulling off the upset. Michigan's recent three-game win streak and UCLA's inconsistent form, with a loss in their last outing, further reinforce the notion that the Wolverines will emerge victorious.