Michigan had no issue taking out 16-seeded Texas Southern with a 82-66 victory to get to the round of 32. Being short-handed without their leaded Isaiah Livers, the Wolverines showed no ill effects in their first NCAA Tournament game. It's time to make the best pick for our LSU – Michigan prediction.

The 8 vs 9 matchups are typically coin toss affairs come tournament time. LSU went out and put a whooping on a very good St. Bonaventure's team, winning going away 76-61. LSU lead the game by double digits for most of the second half and cruised to a victory, setting up a very intriguing matchup with Michigan. Let's see what the NCAA odds are on this game.

Here's how the sportsbooks have the odds laid out:

NCAA Odds: LSU-Michigan Odds

LSU Tigers +5 (-110)

Michigan Wolverines -5 (-110)

Over 148.5 points (-105)

Under 148.5 points (-115)

Why LSU Could Cover the Spread

LSU is rolling entering this one, winners of five out of their last six and having scored at least 76 in all six games. Will Wade's bunch is a scoring machine, averaging 81.9 points per game and doing so with great frontcourt and backcourt play.

The Tigers can carve you up with guards Cameron Thomas (22.8 ppg) and Javonte Smart (15.6 ppg). They also feed their bigs in Trendon Watford (16.5 ppg) and Darius Days (11.8 ppg).

LSU has capable shooters from the perimeter and the four players listed above are all top four in three pointers attempted and made on the team. The Tigers believe they can outscore anyone and play with an edge to them. They are playing great basketball at the perfect time of the year to be doing so.

Why Michigan Could Cover the Spread

The Wolverines started the season 18-1 and earned a well deserved one seed in the NCAA Tournament. Juwan Howard's team plays a gritty style that can get down with the vibes of a low scoring game or put up points in an up and down contest as well. Michigan is one of the most balanced teams in the country.

Missing Isaiah Livers is a big blow, but it helps having five other scorers that all average 7.5 points per game or more.

Against Texas Southern, all five starters had at least nine points and Howard's rotation featured nine different players. It will have to be a group effort for Michigan to make a deep run without Livers but it's something they are more than capable of doing.

Final LSU-Michigan Prediction and Pick

I love LSU in this spot. They made the SEC Tournament Championship, finished third in the regular season in the conference, and have 19 wins. LSU could've been a 6-seed and nobody would've batted an eye. Instead, they're a brutal matchup for Michigan as an 8-seed.

This is where not having Isaiah Livers catches up to Michigan. LSU will push the pace and they have four legitimate scorers with a few other customers as well that can get it done. This game will go back and forth, but not only do I believe LSU covers the spread, I think they win this game outright. It's a tricky matchup for Michigan and LSU has the bigs that can try and neutralize Hunter Dickinson down low. At the end of this one, Michigan just doesn't have the bodies to fight off LSU.

FINAL LSU-MICHIGAN PREDICTION/PICK: LSU +5 (sprinkle a little on that +175 moneyline while you're at it)