Michigan vs Saint Louis: High-Scoring Showdown

0:00On March 20th, the top-seated Michigan Woolverines punched their ticket to the second round of the NCAA tournament with a convincing 101-2. 80 win over Howard. Now they face the number 9 seed, St. Louis Billikens, who role-passed Georgia 102-77. Both teams sit at strong records, Michigan at 32 wins and 3 losses, St. Louis at 29-5. The game tips off Saturday, March 21st, 2026 at 12-10pm Eastern Time from Keybank Center in Buffalo, New York, airing on CBS. This matchup pits Michigan's brute force in size against St. Louis's slick perimeter game. The Woolverines rely on their length inside, led by big men like 7-foot-3-a-day Mara and Morez Johnson Jr., who dominated with 21. Points and 10 rebounds on perfect shooting in round 1. Meanwhile, the Billikens run a modern offense under coach Josh Schertz, spacing the floor and bombing threes at over 40% as a team.

1:00Fans are buzzing about Michigan's 10th straight trip to this round, a sign of their program's grit. St. Louis brings upset potential with their efficiency scoring, but Michigan's favored by 12 and a half points with a total around 100. 61 and a half. The neutral side in Buffalo adds some edge, testing both squad's row toughness. Key to watch is St. Louis Center Robbie Avila, nicknamed cream Abdul Jabbar for his passing and outside shot, which could pull Michigan's giants. Away from the rim and open lanes for guards like Dion Brown and Trey Green. Michigan must own the boards, where they lead the big 10, close out on threes, and feed their post-players early. If the Woolverines impose their physical style and limit second chances, they should advance to the sweet 16 in Chicago. Expect a high scoring battle, but Michigan's depth looks prime to prevail by mid-afternoon.