We are down to just 6 teams remaining in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The second half to the Elite 8 goes down on Sunday. In the first game we have No. 1 Michigan taking on a hot Tennessee team. Next, the other No. 1 team Duke Blue Devils vs. No. 2 UConn Huskies. Let’s dive into both of Sunday’s March Madness games and make our selections.
No. 6 Tennessee vs No. 1 Michigan 2:15 PM
Tennessee has been on a great run this tournament. Rick Barnes’ team has been prepared, not turning the ball over and making the right decisions. This Vols team has been so good on the glass, ranking No. 1 in the nation in Offensive Rebound Rate (45.1). The thing is, Michigan has the size to bang with Tennessee in the paint. The Wolverines are a top 50 team when looking at both Offensive Rebound Rate (35.1) and Defensive Rebound Rate (27.0). I also think the Wolverines have the better group of guards. Michigan’s size, toughness and skill is going to overwhelm Tennessee. May also happens to be 3-0 both straight-up and against the spread as a neutral court favorite of 6.5 to 12 points with Michigan.
Pick: Michigan -7.5
No. 2 UConn vs No. 1 Duke 5:05 PM
Joe Scheyer has been a great replacement for Mike Kryzewski. He’s done a great job at recruiting, and I think his in-game decision making has been spot on. But he needs to win the big one before even having a seat at the table of Coach K. UConn is a solid team but definitely not the roster that won back-to-back championships. Bozzer is going to dominate the rim, and his teammates have been able to rise to the occasion. I have a hard time believing UConn could efficiently run their offense against a Duke team that is third in the nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency (92.4).
Pick: Duke -5.5
