Although anything can happen in what has been a very unpredictable March Madness, the victor of Saturday’s Miami vs UConn betting matchup will be the favorite to win the National Championship on Monday night against the FAU / San Diego State winner.
Both the #5 Hurricanes and the #4 seed Huskies have had impressive runs the past couple weekends, have experienced quality coaches, and are star-studded so this one should be a battle. The fact that UConn is a -5.5 point favorite in a game that seems like it could go either way is something to take note of, but 60% of the betting public still likes the Huskies.
Why Miami Can Cover +5.5 Points
Connecticut has been on a role this tournament, but excuse the Hurricanes if they are not impressed after beating the #1 seed Houston and the #2 seed Texas last weekend, as +8 and +3.5 underdogs respectively. Miami survived the Longhorns shooting 50% from the field and Houston hitting 24 of 26 free throws.
The Hurricanes offense has been impressive heading into Saturday night’s Miami vs UConn betting matchup, scoring 85+ points in three straight games and were a top 25 team in scoring during the regular season (79.6) and are ranked 5th in adjusted offensive efficiency according to KenPom rankings.
What makes Miami such a tough team to stop offensively is their depth. Isaiah Wong – the ACC Player of the Year – is the unquestioned leader but Jordan Miller is coming off a perfect shooting effort vs. Texas (7-7 FGs, 13-13 FT) and Nijel Pack scored 26 points to help lead the win over Houston. Norchad Omier has also dominated on the glass with 13+ rebounds in three of the last four games.
Why UConn Can Cover -5.5 Points
Coaches Jim Larranaga and Dan Hurley will match wits on Saturday, and although Miami has the experience of reaching the Elite 8 last season (UConn has two 1st round exits in a row) no team is playing better than UConn this tournament. The Huskies have covered the number in all four of their March Madness 2023 games, winning each by at least 15 points.
What’s scary about UConn is that they keep getting better as the quality of competition improves. Last weekend the Huskies won by an average margin of 25.5 ppg, beating Arkansas 88-65 after the Razorbacks had just knocked off #1 Kansas and then shredding #3 Gonzaga 82-54.
The Huskies have been led by Adama Sanogo this postseason as he put up 28 vs. Iona and 24 against St. Mary’s. Sanogo only shot 3-11 from the field last game and Connecticut still won by nearly 30 points and Jordan Hawkins picked up the slack with his second straight 20+ point game.
Free Miami at UConn Betting Pick
Connecticut has certainly been impressive in this tournament with a 15 point win over St. Mary’s being their closest game over the past couple weekends. The Huskies have momentum, but 5.5 still seems like too many points to be giving a very good Miami squad.
Free Pick: Miami +5.5
