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Louisville vs. Michigan prediction and game preview, as the No. 2 Cardinals and No. 7 Wolverines face off in the NCAA Tournament second round.

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In the second round of the 2016-17 NCAA Tournament, No. 2 Louisville will take on No. 7 Michigan in Indianapolis.

Louisville took care of business against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the second half, running out for an easy victory as Mangok Mathiang and Deng Adel led the way on offense for the Cardinals.

Michigan used the three-point shot to survive a first round high-scoring affair against Oklahoma State 92-91. Derrick Walton Jr. scored 26 points, going 6-for-9 from beyond the arc as the Wolverines made 16 treys overall.

Louisville vs. Michigan Game Preview

Date: March 19, 2017
Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Region: Midwest

Louisville Wins If …

The Cardinals use their defense to frustrate opponents and was one of the best against guarding the three-pointer this season. Louisville finished No. 18 in the nation in three-point defense, with opponents averaging 30.9% against them. That will be a big advantage against a Michigan team that lives and dies by the three. The Cardinals can shut Michigan down.

Michigan Wins If …

There might not be a team playing better right now than Michigan, and their deadliness from the three-point line is one reason for the win streak. The scoring comes from a balance of players, with D.J. Wilson, Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Walton Jr., and Zak Irvin all having the ability to light up the scoreboard. They could simply outscore Louisville in this one.

Louisville vs. Michigan Prediction

A rematch of the 2013 National Championship Game, the Wolverines will come out shooting, but the Louisville defense and overall depth will be the difference as the Cardinals shut Michigan down from going off from behind the three-point line. It has been a great run for Michigan at the end of the season, but it comes to a close as Louisville advances to the Sweet 16.

Louisville vs. Michigan Score Prediction: Louisville 79, Michigan 72

MORE: Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket, Previews, Predictions