Michigan basketball vs. Wisconsin: Odds, prediction, and how to watch Big Ten title game

Michigan basketball fans, at least not most of them, didn't expect the Wolverines to be playing on Sunday in the Big Ten championship game.

However, Michigan basketball, has found itself again in the Big Ten tournament. First, the Wolverines rolled past Purdue, a top-25 opponent on Friday, 86-68.

Then, against a Maryland team that just beat Michigan basketball on its home floor less than two weeks ago, the Wolverines built a 15-point lead before Maryland took it back late. Yet, Tre Donaldson saved the day with his game-winning layup.

John Beilein approved and Michigan won, despite some terrible calls from officials. Next up are the Wisconsin Badgers. The Wolverines won in Madison earlier this season, but that game was months ago. These are completely different teams, and two that have caught fire this weekend.

The Badgers got a stellar outing from John Tonje who scored 32 points and made four 3-pointers against Wisconsin. He also had a key defensive play to seal the win late. The Badgers made nine triples in their upset of MSU.

Wisconsin made 19 3-pointers, yes 19, against UCLA. Michigan limited Wisconsin to 22 percent from 3-point range in the 67-64 win back in December. Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin also combined for 44 points.

Michigan didn't shoot the ball well from the perimeter either, making 24 percent. The Wolverines were only minus-two in turnover ratio, but won the rebounding battle, sort of like how they lost the turnover battle against Maryland by a wide margin, but out-rebounded the Terps by 29.

If Michigan is going to win Sunday, it will need a similar effort. It can't lose the both the turnover and rebounding battle. The Wolverines also can't let the Badgers make double-digit 3s.

Beyond that, Michigan's big three needs to keep being productive. Donaldson, Wolf, and Goldin have combined for 104 points in the first two games. That's an average of 52. If Michigan's stars can produce like that, the Wolverines will have a great shot to win.

Here's a look at the odds, a prediction, and how to watch.

Michigan basketball vs. Wisconsin odds

The Wolverines are a 3.5-point underdog against Wisconsin. The over/under is 148.5. The moneyline is +145 for Michigan basketball and -175 for Wisconsin.

Michigan vs. Wisconsin how to watch

Tip-off time is set for 3:30 p.m EST on CBS. Fans can also stream the game on Paramount Plus, or the radio broadcast is available at mgoblue.com.

Michigan vs. Wisconsin prediction

This has been an unpredictable run to the Big Ten championship game. On Saturday, after the win, Dusty May talked to his team about taking advantage of the opportunity and hanging a banner.

After the hoop by Donaldson, it sort of feels like destiny. But Wisconsin surely has the same feeling. These two teams met for the 2017 Big Ten title. However, defeating Wisconsin for the second time this season won't be easy.

Yet, this isn't the same Michigan team we saw a few weeks ago. Michigan has led by at least 15 points in both tournament games. They let Maryland back in it, but the Wolverines are playing as well as they have all season and it will continue on Sunday in the Big Ten tournament championship game.

This game is a toss-up. It will be close, but give me the Wolverines to bring home the Big Ten tournament championship.

Prediction: Michigan 75, Wisconsin 71.