4 Michigan vs. 5 VCU
Tip-off: 12:15 p.m. Saturday, The Palace, Auburn Hills
TV/radio: CBS/WWJ
Records: Michigan 27-7, Virginia Commonwealth 27-8
Guards
Even with Trey Burke 's scoring struggles (six points) — his first time this season in single digits — Michigan still won by 15 over South Dakota State. Tim Hardaway scored 21 and picked up the slack when needed. VCU's Darius Theus (7.1) and Rob Brandenburg (10.4) aren't the top scorers, but the engine that drives the defense.
Edge: Michigan
Frontcourt
Michigan's all-freshman group of Mitch McGary , Glenn Robinson III and Nik Stauskas combined for 42 points and 17 rebounds Thursday. They'll need a similar performance against the Rams. VCU's 6-foot-4 Troy Daniels (12.1 points), 6-5 Treveon Graham (15.5 points) and 6-9 Juvonte Reddic (14.4 points, 8.3 rebounds) are smaller in the post but bring more experience.
Edge: VCU
Bench
With Jordan Morgan moving to a reserve role, along with Jon Horford , Caris LeVert and Spike Albrecht , Michigan has a solid corps. VCU's Melvin Johnson and Briante Weber provide needed backcourt depth.
Edge: Michigan
Coaches
Michigan's John Beilein got a big win over South Dakota State, but beating VCU would be one of his better postseason wins at Michigan. VCU's Shaka Smart is regarded as one of the up-and-coming young coaches, leading the Rams to the Final Four in 2011, losing in the semifinals.
Edge: Even
Prediction
Michigan 70-66
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