Michigan is the heavy favorite to win its second NCAA Tournament crown tonight. The Wolverines have rolled through March Madness and their dominating Final Four win over Arizona is the reason for the opening line of Michigan -7.5.
It’s settled down to UM -6.5 as of Monday afternoon before tipoff (8:50 p.m. ET/5:50 p.m. PT, TBS/HBO Max).
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Yes, it’s a hearty spread, but it’s hardly the largest line in title game history.
Here’s a look at the biggest spreads for the men’s championship games over the years and the outcomes.
1985: Villanova +9.5 (Defeated Georgetown 66–64)
Apr 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; A Villanova Wildcats fan wears a shirt that refers to 1985 during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2016 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship semi-final game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Big, bad Georgetown was the defending national champion, led by Patrick Ewing. But Rollie Massamino’s slow-down game plan worked to perfection as the eighth-seeded Wildcats stunned the Hoyas in arguably the greatest upset in NCAA Tournament history.
1999: Connecticut +9.5 (Defeated Duke 77–74)
Jan 20, 1999; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Connecticut Huskies guard Khalid El-Amin (42) in action against the Miami Hurricanes at Miami Arena. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
UConn won its first men’s basketball title by taking down Duke. Richard “Rip Hamilton” led the way with 27 points, and Khalid El-Amin’s free throws with 5.2 seconds left sealed the stunning deal.
1966: Texas Western +8 (Defeated Kentucky 72–65)
Mar 19, 1966; College Park, MD, USA: FILE PHOTO; Texas Western players receive the National Championship trophy after defeating Kentucky 72-65. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports
One of the most significant games in sports history. It’s noteworthy because Texas Western coach Don Haskins elected to start five Black players against mighty Kentucky, which featured an all-white squad. The upset changed the future of college basketball. The story was told in the 2006 movie “Glory Road.”
1988: Kansas +8 (Defeated Oklahoma 83-79)
North Carolina State head coach Jim Valvano celebrates his team’s victory over Houston in the 1983 Final Four. NC State defeated Houston 54-52. Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
The 1988 Kansas team was remembered as “Danny and the Miracles” thanks to Danny Manning’s performance throughout March Madness. In the tournament title game, Manning was amazing, finishing with 31 points, 18 rebounds, and five steals.
1983: North Carolina State +7 (Defeated Houston 54-52)
Apr 4, 1983; Albuquerque, NM, USA, FILE PHOTO; North Carolina State head coach Jim Valvano celebrates his team’s victory over Houston in the 1983 Final Four. NC State defeated Houston 54-52. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
One of the most thrilling games in college basketball history, the title tilt was certain to be the culmination of Akeem Olajuwon’s awesome season with the Cougars. Instead, this instant classic culminated with legendary NC State coach Jim Valvano running around looking for someone to hug after Lorenzo Charles’ buzzer-beating dunk off a 30-foot desperation shot by Dereck Whittenburg was short. Incredible moment. Watch it below (1:04.00 mark) and thank me later.