SB Nation’s staff predictions for the 2018 NCAA men’s basketball championship game

The 2017-18 college basketball season is down to its final day, and only two teams are left standing: Villanova and Michigan. For the Wildcats, a win would validate Jay Wright’s budding empire with a second national title in three seasons and cement Jalen Brunson’s status as the most accomplished player in program history. For the Wolverines, a win would erase the stinging memory of a second-place finish in 2013 behind a blank space in Louisville’s rafters.

Michigan is a 6.5-point underdog against a Villanova juggernaut whose closest game in the NCAA tournament was a 12-point win over Texas Tech. That’s made them a popular pick for basketball pundits across the internet — and SB Nation is no different. The vast majority of the network’s writers are skeptical of the Wolverines’ ability to slow down the Wildcats’ terrifying momentum.

Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation college basketball editor

Villanova 83, Michigan 71: Villanova was my preseason pick. The offense is just on fire right now. Michigan’s defense is good, but it isn’t that good.

Mike Rutherford, SB Nation college basketball editor

Villanova 78, Michigan 69: Villanova has been the clear class of college basketball for a few months now, and has been an unstoppable wrecking machine on offense all postseason. Michigan’s defense will keep it within striking distance for most of Monday night’s game, but the Wildcats will never let things get out of their control.

Tim Cato, SB Nation NBA writer

Villanova 72, Michigan 60: Michigan hangs around with Villanova, but they pull away in the final five minutes with a few cold-blooded threes. That’s just how modern basketball goes now.

James Dator, SB Nation’s guy who thought UNC Greensboro was the only UNC

Villanova 86, Michigan 70: Wildcats >>>>> Wolverines. Unless it’s THE Wolverine, like Logan. But it’s not. It’s just a regular wolverine. I think a murder kitty takes it in a fight easily.

Russ Steinberg, Mid-Major Madness editor

Villanova 82, Michigan 75: Michigan will keep it close because the Wolverines can defend the three and they don’t beat themselves. But Jalen Brunson is the best player in college basketball and he won’t let his team get rattled. Villanova is the most efficient offensive team in the country and will find answers to John Belein’s vaunted defense.

Sarah Hardy, SB Nation NFL editor and Ohio State graduate

Villanova the most points, Michigan way less than that: I predict Michigan fans will be insufferable either way.

Caroline Darney, SB Nation college league manager

Villanova 78, Michigan 72: I just don’t see how you stop a team that shoots like Villanova does. If you have three guys who shoot as well as three of their players do, you’ll probably beat just about anybody out there. But to have seven (SEVEN!) guys who consistently hit threes like they’re layups, that’s just too tough. Michigan’s defense is very good, and I love this Wolverines team, but I just don’t see anyone beating the Wildcats the way they’re playing right now. Won’t stop me from rooting for Moe Wagner, though. He’s the best.

Harry Lyles Jr., SB Nation NFL writer

Villanova 79, Michigan 69: Villanova’s got the superior uniforms. Book it. I also may have been brought up with Ohio State fandom.

Christian D’Andrea, SB Nation news desk writer

Michigan 73, Villanova 72: If no one else is going to pick the Wolverines, I will. Providence and St. John’s showed the best way to discombobulate the Wildcats is through tough perimeter defense — they held VU to a combined 11-for-53 shooting from long range in their upsets. Michigan held opponents to a stingy 32.7 percent from long range this winter. Embrace the chaos.

Sam Eggleston, SB Nation copy editor

Michigan 76, VIllanova 68: Hail! Hail! to Michigan! Being a Yooper (that’s a born-and-raised resident of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, north of the Mackinac Bridge), I have to cheer for Michigan in this particular matchup. Strictly speaking, I’m a Michigan State fan (Tom Izzo is also a Yooper — we are a loyal bunch), but I’m willing to tune up the band and roar out The Victors as the Wolverines make their way to their second-ever national title. Go get ‘em, Michigan. Hail! to the victors valiant!

Picking Villanova: 8
Picking Michigan: 2