No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 9 St. Louis NCAA Tournament predictions: Odds, stats, trends and best bets for Round 2

The second round of the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament tips off Saturday when top-seeded Michigan takes the court in Buffalo against the No. 9 seed, St. Louis.

Michigan enters the matchup as a heavy favorite after pulling away late from Howard and winning 101–80. The Wolverines’ frontcourt, led by  Morez Johnson Jr. and  Aday Mara , dominated the paint all night but really wore down the Bison in the second half, combining for 40 points and 17 rebounds in the game while shooting a near-perfect 16-for-18 from the field.

That interior size and length is expected to be the difference again Saturday against St. Louis. With a win, Michigan will secure its ninth Sweet Sixteen appearance in the last 12 tournaments.

Saint Louis controlled their opening round game start to finish in their First Round game, smacking Georgia, 102–77. While Michigan’s primary strength lies in their ability to dominate the paint, St. Louis features one of the nation's most lethal perimeter attacks, shooting over 40% from three-point range.