The 4th seed, UConn Huskies (27-8, 13-7 Massive East) are not any strangers to the NCAA Match. UConn has 4 Nationwide Titles, been to five Remaining Fours, and 36 match appearances. The Huskies suffered losses within the first spherical of the NCAA Match in 2020 and 2021. UConn has back-to-back 20-win seasons below Head Coach Dan Hurley, and The Huskies survived towards Iona and Saint Mary’s to achieve the Candy 16. The eighth seed, Arkansas Razorbacks (22-13, 8-10 SEC) are coming off first and second spherical wins to Illinois and Kansas. They knocked off a #1 seed, the Kansas Jayhawks. Very similar to UConn, they’ve match expertise. Arkansas has 1 Nationwide Title Win, 6 Remaining 4, and 35 NCAA Match appearances. These two groups will play on Thursday at 7:15 EDT, within the Spherical of 16, positioned in Las Vegas, Nevada. The matchup will air on CBS. In case you are in search of the perfect betting odds, right here is info to know:
Cash Line
UConn: -195Arkansas: +165
Over/Underneath: 140
Over: -110Under: -110
Unfold:
UConn: -4 (-110)Arkansas: +4 (-110)
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
Spherical of 64: UConn vs. Iona: UConn was favored -9, and the Over/Underneath was 140.5. UConn received the Cash Line, Lined the unfold, and the OVER hit.
The UConn Huskies dominated the Iona Gaels and got here out with the win 87-63. Iona was up by 2 factors main into the half and had bettors nervous. UConn had a monstrous second half, outscoring Iona 50-24. Led by Ahead Adama Sanogo, the Huskies shot 44 % from the three-point, and 48.5 % from the sector. As well as, UConn had an 85.7 discipline purpose share. UConn outrebounded Iona 45-29 and led in assists. Sanogo had a stellar second half, scoring 28 factors in 25 minutes, on 13-17 taking pictures. Sophomore Guard Jordan Hawkins added 13 factors, 4 rebounds, and shot solely 27.3 % from the sector. Though UConn didn’t get enough bench assist, Guard Andre Jackson added in 10 factors and a 40 % three-point shot. UConn had all of the momentum within the second half and continued the remainder of the sport.
Spherical of 32: UConn vs. Saint Mary’s The final time the UConn Huskies superior to the Spherical of 32 was the 2013-2014, once they received the Nationwide Championship. The UConn Huskies beat the Saint Mary’s Gaels 70-55 to advance to the Candy 16. Once more, UConn confirmed as much as play within the second half. Up by one level on the half, UConn pulled away, and outscored Saint Mary’s 39-25 within the second. Consider, the Gaels had been an environment friendly defensive crew. Nonetheless, this didn’t cease the Huskies from scoring. UConn shot 45.5 % from the three-point, and 54 % from the sector. As well as, UConn hit 85.7 % of their free-throws, in comparison with Saint Mary’s 68.4 %. Because of Adama Sonogo, the Huskies outrebounded the Gaels 31-22, particularly defensive boards. UConn had a sport excessive 14 turnovers, nevertheless, UConn had 5 blocks and offered nice protection. Gaels star Lane Johnson was held to 9 factors on 3-15 taking pictures. Sonogo led the way in which for the Huskies, with 24 factors, 8 rebounds, and a 1 block. Guards, Jordan Hawkins and Tristen Newton added factors in double-digits. The one draw back? UConn had solely 12 factors off the bench.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Spherical of 64: Arkansas vs. Illinois: Arkansas was favored -2, and the Over/Underneath was 142. The Razorbacks received the Cash Line, and the UNDER hit.
The Arkansas Razorbacks impressed towards Illinois, beating them 73-63. Up 36-26 by the half, each groups scored 37 factors within the second half. Arkansas shot 38.1 % from the sector; nevertheless, they shot a low 27.3 % from the three-point. They made 75.9 % of their free-throws, in comparison with Illinois 65.4 %. As well as, Arkansas outrebounded Illinois 43-34, particularly on the offensive finish. They’d a crew excessive 12 steals, and solely 11 turnovers. Junior guard Ricky Council IV led the way in which with 18 factors, on 11-12 factors from the free-throw line. He additionally added one steal and a block. Junior Guard Davonte Davis contributed 16 factors on 50 % free throw taking pictures. The Razorbacks misplaced their lead within the second half, not breaking away till the ultimate minutes of the sport. Arkansas protection got here out robust, early within the sport, which made Illinois scramble offensively.
Spherical of 32: Arkansas vs. Kansas: Kansas was favored -4 and the Over/Underneath was 143.5. The Razorbacks received the Cash Line, coated the unfold, and the UNDER hit.
The Arkansas Razorbacks knocked off defending Nationwide Champions, Kansas Jayhawks 72-71. It’s essential to notice Kansas was a #1 seed this yr. Not solely did Arkansas outrebound Kansas 36-29, however additionally they shot higher on the free-throw line, and had much less turnovers. It’s perplexing Arkansas shot considerably worse from the three-point line (20 %), and solely 41.4 % from the sector. Kansas got here out robust, main the Razorbacks 35-27 going into the half. Nonetheless, Arkansas outscored the Jayhawks 45-36 within the second half. Kansas misplaced their probability with 1:56 to go within the second half. They missed free-throws, missed open pictures, and turned the ball over. Arkansas had key offensive rebounds and put again pictures with 51 seconds to go. Ultimately, it changed into a free-throw battle, which Arkansas received.
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
Head Coach Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies began as one of many nation’s high groups, going 14-0, and 3-0 of their first 14 video games. They completed 2nd within the Massive East and earned the 4th seed within the NCAA Match. Over their win streak, the closest level differential was their win towards Villanova, 74-66. Throughout that point, the Huskies had key wins towards Alabama, Iowa State, UNC Wilmington, and Villanova. It’s essential to notice UConn blew out Alabama 82-67 on November twenty fifth, 2023. Over their subsequent 10 video games, UConn went on a shedding skid, dropping 6 of their subsequent 10 video games. After their loss to Xavier on January twenty fifth, 2023, UConn received 9 of their final 11 video games.
UConn is extraordinarily environment friendly on the defensive finish. Additionally, they rank thirty ninth in opponents factors per sport, with 64.7. They’re ranked high 40 in opponent discipline purpose share at 40.9 %. As well as, they rank thirtieth in opponents three-point share, limiting groups to 30.3 %. With Sonogo, Jackson Jr, and Clingan down under, they rank third within the nation, limiting groups to 29.6 rebounds a sport. Offensively, the Huskies ranked thirty first in offensive scoring, led by Adama Sonogo. The Huskies will not be the perfect three-point taking pictures crew, rating 73rd within the league at 36 %.
This yr’s UConn Huskies are the REAL deal. The Huskies are environment friendly down low, rating 18th in rebounding with 38.9 rebounds per sport. Dan Hurley is a incredible coach, main this crew to key wins over Marquette, Creighton, and Alabama in the course of the common season.
UConn has a really highly effective, bodily protection, together with a really potent offense. Talking of offense, UConn ranks seventh within the Nation in Offensive Effectivity (115.7) (Supply: Yahoo). UConn excels with Sanogo within the paint, who is likely one of the largest threats within the submit. UConn excels off second probability factors, because of Sanogo. He’s one of many predominant causes the Huskies are advancing to the Candy 16 and is elite within the low submit. When Sonogo wants a relaxation, Donovan Clingan has stuffed in properly in his place. The Huskies play excessive tempo basketball, create turnovers, and take dangers.
Arkansas Razorbacks
The Razorbacks entered this yr’s NCAA Match because the eighth seed. They completed the season 22-13, and 8-10 within the SEC Convention. Nonetheless, don’t let this report idiot you. Eric Musselman has achieved a incredible job teaching this crew within the match. Nonetheless, this Razorback crew was extraordinarily inconsistent within the common season. Arkansas is in a really aggressive SEC and began the season 12-2. Throughout that stretch, the Razorbacks had key wins towards San Diego State and Missouri. Their solely two losses got here towards Creighton and LSU. Of their final 19 video games, the Razorbacks completed 8-11. Throughout that stretch, they’d key losses to Auburn, Alabama, Vanderbilt, Missouri, Baylor, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas A&M. Out of these 11 losses, 7 of these groups had been ranked.
The Razorbacks ranked 98th in opponent factors per sport with 67.4. They’re environment friendly across the perimeter, limiting opponents to 30.6 % from the three-point. As well as, Arkansas is ranked thirty sixth within the Nation in Defensive Ranking, at 95.6. Nonetheless, The Razorbacks struggled offensively in the course of the common season. They rank one hundred and sixtieth within the Nation in Offensive Ranking, at 105.4. Additionally, they solely shot 31 % from the three-point, and common 35.5 rebounds per sport. It’s no secret that the Razorbacks have THREE NBA prospects on their roster. Guard Nick Smith Jr. solely appeared in 16 sport this season, as a result of Knee Accidents. Nonetheless, Guard Anthony Black, and Ricky Council IV have been core gamers for the Razorbacks this yr. The Razorbacks have depth, and their bench offered 18 factors over their win towards Kansas.
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
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Arkansas Razorbacks
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Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
Adama SanogoIt’s no Secret Adama Sonogo has been lights out for UConn this season, and within the match. He averaged a career-high in factors (17.3), assists (1.2), 3-point share (35.4), and discipline purpose share (60.5). His 60.5 discipline purpose share ranks twenty third within the nation. It’s very laborious for groups to close down Sanogo down low. He’s a glass-cleaner, who snags rebounds, and gives UConn with second probability factors. He’s scored 52 factors within the first two rounds within the NCAA match, including 21 rebounds and a couple of blocks. As well as, Sanogo is averaging 72.7 share from the sector within the first two rounds. Search for Sanogo to be a continued drive contained in the paint and the glass.
Jordan HawkinsSophomore Guard Jordan Hawkins has stepped up when the Huskies want it probably the most. Hawkins is a incredible perimeter participant and is an environment friendly shot creator. Hawkins had an enormous second half in final sport towards Saint Mary’s. He added 12 factors, and 80 % 3-point taking pictures. Within the Huskies first spherical win over Iona, Hawkins added 13 factors on 42.9 3-point taking pictures. This season, he averaged career-highs in factors per sport (15.9), free-throw share (88.3), 3-point share (37.8), and discipline purpose share at 29.4. Search for Hawkins to be a key issue this subsequent sport.
Arkansas
Davonte Davis
Davonte Davis, Junior guard, has been a stable defensive participant for the Razorbacks this season. He’s averaged 11.1 factors, 1.4 steals, and 34.6 % three-point taking pictures in 33.2 minutes this season. Within the NCAA Match, Davis added 25 factors, 8 rebounds, on 60 % discipline purpose taking pictures towards their win towards Kansas. He additionally put up 16 factors, 4 steals, and 6 rebounds towards Illinois. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see his matchup towards Jordan Hawkins. Search for Davis to be a key participant within the UConn sport.
Ricky Council IVWith 1:29 left to go towards Kansas, Council IV hit a game-tying 2-point shot. Within the first spherical towards Illinois, he added 18 factors, 10 rebounds, and shot 91.7 % from the free-throw line. Within the second-round win towards Kansas, Council IV added 21 factors, 1 block, 4 assists, 6 rebounds in 40 minutes. His 91 % three throw share helped Arkansas seal the take care of seconds to go within the sport.
• UConn averaged 78.5 factors per sport in the course of the common season.
• Arkansas averaged 74.4 factors per sport in the course of the common season.
• UConn ranks thirty ninth in factors allowed with 64.7 opponents factors per sport.
• Arkansas ranks 98th in factors allowed with 67.4 opponents factors per sport.
• UConn ranks 18th in rebounds per sport with 38.9.
• Arkansas ranks one hundred and fortieth in rebounds per sport with 35.5.
• UConn ranks fifth in level differential at +13.7
• Arkansas ranks 61st in level differential at +6.9
• UConn ranks nineteenth in blocked pictures with 4.9 per sport.
• Arkansas ranks tenth in blocked pictures with 5.1 per sport.
• UConn averages 35.7 % from the 3-point, whereas Arkansas averages 31.7 % past the arc.
SPREAD: UConn -4
–UConn coated the unfold in 8 of their final 10 video games.
–Arkansas coated the unfold in 6 their final 10 video games.
–UConn has a 23-11-1 report ATS this season.
–Arkansas has a 18-16-1 report ATS this season.
Each groups have confirmed why they need to be within the Candy 16. UConn flew by Iona and Saint Mary’s, whereas Arkansas beat robust Illinois and Kansas Groups. Arkansas coated the unfold by +3.5 towards Kansas, and -2.5 towards Illinois. Nonetheless, I just like the tempo UConn is enjoying at, they usually have an environment friendly defensive crew. Though The Razorbacks are purple sizzling, UConn ought to be capable of shut them down from the perimeter.
MONEY LINE: UConn ML
–UConn received the Cash Line 8 out of their final 10 video games
–Arkansas received the Cash Line 5 of their final 10 video games.
Dan Hurley’s Huskies are one of many hottest groups proper now. I don’t see the Razorbacks slowing down Sanogo within the paint. UConn is the far superior crew offensively and have a imply protection. If Arkansas can cowl the perimeter, UConn could possibly be in hassle. I like UConn Cash line right here.
OVER/UNDER- Underneath
–UConn Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +0.79
–Arkansas Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +0.04
–UConn General O/U Report: 19-16-0
-Arkansas O/U Report: 14-20-1
–UConn hit the UNDER in 7 of their final 10 video games.
–Arkansas is 5-5 for the Over/Underneath their final 10 video games.
140 looks as if a good quantity right here. I feel each side play laborious with loads of protection. If each groups guard the perimeter, leaving the factors as much as the within, this could possibly be a comparatively low scoring sport. I just like the below.
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Sara Jane is a full-time content material creator, specializing in each School Basketball, the NBA, NFL, and author of Ballislife.com. Don’t neglect to comply with her on Twitter: @GGirlSports
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