3 predictions for Michigan Basketball vs Saint Louis in the Round of 32

Mar 19, 2026; Buffalo, NY, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts against the Howard Bison during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images The 1-seed Michigan Wolverines will take on the 9-seed Saint Louis Billikins in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday. Michigan is favored by 12.

5 points against Saint Louis, according to FanDuel , after winning its first round matchup against 16-seed Howard, 101-80. Meanwhile, the Billikens beat the 8-seeded Georgia Bulldogs, 102-77, on Thursday night. With both programs dominating the paint against their respective opponents, it will be an interesting matchup on Saturday for the chance to play another week.

Here are three predictions for the matchup. Michigan will double Saint Louis’ paint total The Wolverines had a tight game against Howard, largely due to the fact they tried to match the Bison’s three-point shooting in the first half. Michigan had no choice but to match Howard’s 10-for-16 from three, electing to take 13 first-half three-point attempts, making seven of them.

However, Michigan also won the game in the paint, and it will look to build off that against the Billikins. Saint Louis’s starting lineup’s tallest player is listed at 6-foot-10 (Robbie Avila). Michigan has 7-foot-3 Aday Mara, 6-foot-10 Morez Johnson Jr.