CONN @ MICH

Neutral-site title-game rematch

The teams meet again after last season's championship game at TD Garden in Boston, not Michigan's home court; UConn's official game center lists an 8 p.m. local tip and Hall of Fame Series broadcast. Dan Hurley said the players who earn UConn's top eight or nine spots will play in Boston.

Mullins gives UConn an early scoring focal point

Braylon Mullins led UConn with 20 points, while Najai Hines posted a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Dan Hurley said he probably overplayed Nai in the first run.

Michigan’s guards shared the scoring load

Roddy Gayle Jr. and Trey McKenney each scored 17 in Michigan's opener. Coach Mike Boynton Jr. said Roddy had one defensive rebound and Trey four, while he wants those guards in the five-to-six rebound range.

Outside shooting remains a question for Michigan

Michigan's 7-of-34 three-point mark against Oakland remains a question, though Mike Boynton Jr. said most were shots the team needs to keep taking.

Michigan availability could affect depth

Action Network's injury page lists Lincoln Cosby out for the season; check for updates before tip.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Lean: UConn -5.5

UConn -5.5 (-108) is a modest neutral-site lean, not a high-confidence play; Hurley identified ball-screen defense, the backboards and getting out of screening actions faster as keys.

Small lean: Under 146.5

Under 146.5 (-110) remains a small lean given the one-game samples; Boynton said opponents posted up and drove for fouls and that Michigan was 0.97 defensively.