The 1-seeded Michigan Wolverines defeated the No. 16-seed Howard, 101-80, on Thursday night in the NCAA Tournament to advance to the Round of 32. Their next opponent — the 9-seeded Saint Louis Billikens.
After being a bit later of a start time on Thursday, the Wolverines and Billikens will begin their game earlier in the day on Saturday. As announced by the program, Michigan and Saint Louis will tip off at 12:10 p.m. and be aired on CBS.
After missing the first game due to an illness, play-by-play broadcaster Brian Anderson is expected to be on the call for this game. Jim Jackson will remain as the color commentator as well.
Saint Louis enters this game with a 29-5 overall record after blowing out Georgia, 102-77, on Thursday night. The Billikens are led by big man Robbie Avila — AKA: Cream Abdul-Jabbar. At 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds, Avila averages 12.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 50.9 percent overall and 41.7 percent from downtown.
Avila isn’t the only threat on Saint Louis, however. In fact, the Billikens are a very well-rounded team. Including Avila, they have seven players that average at least nine points per game, with four of them averaging at least 10. Guard Dion Brown tallies 11.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 61.7 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from beyond the arc. Trey Green (11 points per game) is their best three-point shooter, as he hits 45 percent from three, as well as 47.1 of his overall shots.
Should the Wolverines win, they will officially lock in a spot in the Sweet Sixteen in Chicago.
