Michigan comes off a really tough loss last week against Arizona in a game I had them on the money line. I really thought the refs cheated them of a victory with some key foul calls, but I think they will rebound nicely here on Saturday night against a PAC12 team that is traveling all the way to the east coast to play in Brooklyn. For Stanford they had not beaten anyone and despite returning a ton of experience that's been the issue for this team that has not gotten to an NCAA Tournament under their current coach. However, they come off what has to feel like a huge victory over Uconn 53-51, but now they are in a serious let down spot playing a Michigan team that has had all week to prepare against them while Stanford played Wednesday night.
Michigan's ability to hit 3's in this game is going to be the difference along with their athleticism and aggressive play in transition. I don't think Stanford has the players to beat them. After all Michigan nearly upset #1 Arizona out of the Pac 12 and they are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 following a SU loss. Michigan owns the 14th toughest schedule thus far and it is about to start paying dividends at the ticket window.
New Mexico is not getting any credit and rightfully so after losing at home as a 9 point favorite over their in state rivals. They also lost to Kansas the game before and now they look to avoid 3 consecutive losses in Vegas. This is a far trip out west for Marquette and I guarantee it will play a factor. New Mexico returns 4 starters for a team last year that was a #3 seed and they continue to play defense ranking 35th in opponent FG%. Marquette has played 4 potential NCAA Tourney teams and all of them are in the top 50 in defense and they lost all 4 games and this will be #5. Wisconsin, San Diego State, Arizona State and Ohio State all defeated Marquette this year. New Mexico has the best player in the Mountain West in Kendall Williams who won the award last year over the NBA's #1 overall pick in Anthony Bennet. New Mexico will get back on track with a nice victory in the desert.
