Free Press sports writers and columnists predict Monday's national championship game between Michigan and Villanova in San Antonio.
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Nick Baumgardner
Villanova 77, Michigan 70: If Michigan plays to its ceiling offensively, similar to the way it did against Texas A&M in the regional semifinals, the Wolverines have enough to get through the Wildcats. U-M's defense has been outstanding this season, and while it hasn't seen anything close to Villanova, it has done its job every time out. Still, There are a lot of "ifs" for the Wolverines. Villanova is so good in so many areas and has the type of offensive depth and versatility you don't see very often from college basketball teams. U-M will fight, there's no doubt. But Villanova looks like too much.
Chris Solari
Villanova 78, Michigan 68: It has been a defense-driven run for the Wolverines to get to the national title game, though they won games in a number of ways. But Michigan has not faced a collection of talent like Villanova that also can beat you in a shootout or a slugfest, and does so with veterans who already have a national title. While everyone has rightly been focused on Jalen Brunson and Mikael Bridges, the rapid late-season development of Omari Spellman as a post presence is the one thing the Wildcats have that ultimately the Wolverines won’t be able to match.
Jeff Seidel
Villanova 75, Michigan 72: Michigan has a shot, if it gets hot and takes care of the ball. The Wolverines will try to shut down Villanova’s 3-point threats. But the problem is, Villanova has too many players who can hit the 3-pointer. Too many weapons.
Shawn Windsor
Michigan 73, Villanova 71: The Wildcats are the best shooting team in college basketball. But they aren't just shooters; they're players. That's a scary combo. And yet, the Wolverines have the defense to slow them down just enough. John Beilein gets his first championship.
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