The Friday college basketball schedule features a national championship game rematch as Michigan faces UConn at TD Garden in Boston. Michigan won last year's title game 69-63, and the SportsLine Projection Model projects the Wolverines to cover as 7.5-point underdogs in the 8 p.m. ET tipoff. The model, which simulates each game 10,000 times, enters the 2026-27 season on an 11-1 run on top-rated over/under picks and a 28-22 record on side picks.
Michigan (+7.5) vs. UConn
Despite losing its top three scorers, Michigan retained its fourth and fifth leading scorers and added the No. 3 recruiting class in the nation per 247Sports. Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella contributed 15 points in the Wolverines' season-opening 84-68 win over Oakland. UConn's top two scorers from last season have departed for the NBA. The model gives Michigan a 51% chance to cover the spread.
Saint Louis (+2.5) vs. Missouri
SportsLine expert Bob Konarski notes that Saint Louis returns most of its roster and holds an edge in continuity and guard play. Missouri boasts the second-tallest team in the country and increased offensive firepower, but the Billikens' chemistry and distribution could exploit the Tigers' size.
Oklahoma State (-18.5) vs. Queens
Expert Thomas Casale highlights Queens playing its third game in five days after scoring 199 points in two wins but allowing 193. The Royals have struggled against major-conference opponents, losing six such games last season by an average of 31 points. Oklahoma State, with a highly rated recruiting class and transfer haul, is projected to roll at home.
A three-leg parlay combining these picks would pay +601 (risk $100 to win $601).
