Michigan vs Louisville in NCAA Championship Game
After spectacular "March Madness mayhem,"the 2013 NCAA Basketball Championship all comes down to tonight's final (Monday, April 8) between the Louisville Cardinals and the Michigan Wolverines, where one or the other will be crowned the worthy 2013 NCAA Champions.
This year's NCAA Championship has been an exhilarating and nail-biting affair, with plenty of upsets and shock results to keep spectators and betting fans alike on the edge of their seats, not to mention a horrifying injury to remind us that basketball is much more than "just a game."
NCAA Championship Game at Georgia Dome
But when all has been said and done, this year's March Madness bracket has culminated in this evening's highly anticipated matchup between the Cardinals and the Wolverines, which starts at 9:23 PM ET at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. This year's tournament has been a whirlwind for both teams.
In terms of notable players, Trey Burke has proved to be the Wolverines biggest weapon, who has shined bright in just about every game, and who will be a scorching hot property when the NBA scouts come calling. But while Michigan has a rock solid offense, Louisville has a rock solid defense.
The Wolverines more than showcased their strength offensively when they ripped through the strong defenses of Florida and Syracuse en route to the NCAA Final. Similarly, the Cardinals showed their impenetrable defense by shutting down the offenses of Oregon and Duke en route to the final.
Interestingly, the fact Louisville have made the final has put many noses in their home state of Kentucky out of joint, considering the state's other college basketball team - the Kentucky Wildcats - are traditionally regarded as "championship material." But this year the Cardinals have dazzled.
Louisville Are Tournament's Top Seeds
Louisville have more than played up to their top seed status throughout the tournament, cutting through their first four rivals like a hot knife through butter, before coming back from a hefty 12 point deficit to beat Wichita State by just a few points in their all-important NCAA semi-final.
Michigan, meanwhile, are a college more renowned for their football team than their basketball team. But that may well change if they prove triumphant tonight. The last time the Wolverines received this much press was way back in 1992 and 1993, when the team boasted five exemplary players known as the "Big 5."
However, the Big 5 never got to win the big game. But their modern day contemporaries may if they can get the better of the Cardinals, which will be no easy task as they too have their hearts set on winning the biggest honor in college basketball.
From a basketball betting perspective, the Cardinals are favored at most online sportsbooks, including Bodog.
NCAA Championship Betting Odds
| Team | Point Spread | Moneyline | Total |
| Michigan | +4 (1.87) | 2.50 | 138 (1.87)o |
| Louisville | -4 (1.95) | 1.59 | 138 (1.95)u |
