Prizing:

1st Place: $25 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Starbucks gift card

Overview:

On Thursday, March 23rd, the (31-5) Oregon Ducks will take on the (26-11) Michigan Wolverines.

The Crowd:

“The Crowd” projects a final score of Michigan 74.0 – Oregon 73.4 with an over/under of 147.4.  The Vegas Lien has a final score of Michigan 74.3 – Oregon 72.8 with an over/under of 147.0.

Statistics (2016-17 season):

Point differential: Oregon +13.8 > Michigan +8.9

Points per game: Oregon 79.4 PPG > Michigan 75.2 PPG

Points allowed per game: Oregon 65.6 PPG > Michigan 66.3 PPG

Field Goal Percentage Offense: Oregon 48.4% > Michigan 48.2%

Field Goal Percentage Defense: Oregon 40.5% > Michigan 46.5%

Three Point Percentage: Michigan 38.5% > Oregon 37.9%

Turnovers per game: Michigan 9.2 > Oregon 11.7

Rebounds per game: Oregon 36.5 > Michigan 29.2

Assists per game: Oregon 16.1 > Michigan 13.9

Summary:

Oregon is (3-2) against ranked opponents this season while Michigan is (4-2).  Despite being one of the worst five rebounding teams in the country, Michigan defied the odds by winning their first two games in the tournament.  The Wolverines can really shoot the three (38.5%) and lead the nation in fewest turnovers per game (9.2).  Michigan is also one of the better free throw shooting teams at 77.6%.  Oregon has the advantage on the glass averaging seven rebounds per game more than Michigan.  Michigan only averages 75.2 points per game and may have trouble against an Oregon team that holds opponents to just 40.5% shooting.  The Ducks have two elite shot blockers in Chris Boucher and Jordan Bell who each average over two per game.  Oregon has the best player in Dillon Brooks who averages 16.4 points on 50.5% shooting from the field and 40.9% from three.  Because Michigan takes care of the ball they will be in this game, but I’m going against “The Crowd” and picking Oregon because of their offensive prowess.

**LISTEN HERE** to the latest edition of “The Berger Shop” podcast, sponsored by The Crowd’s Line.  This week’s episode features an in-depth discussion talking Showtime Sports Doc on St. Anthony’s Bob Hurley with Brian Dailey.

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