The 4th seed, UConn Huskies (27-8, 13-7 Huge East) are not any strangers to the NCAA Match. UConn has 4 Nationwide Titles, been to five Closing Fours, and 36 event 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 beneath Head Coach Dan Hurley, and The Huskies survived in opposition to 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 event expertise. Arkansas has 1 Nationwide Title Win, 6 Closing 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. If you’re searching for one of the best betting odds, right here is data to know:
Cash Line
UConn: -195
Arkansas: +165
Over/Below: 140
Over: -110
Below: -110
Unfold:
UConn: -4 (-110)
Arkansas: +4 (-110)
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
Spherical of 64: UConn vs. Iona: UConn was favored -9, and the Over/Below 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 apprehensive. 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 sphere. As well as, UConn had an 85.7 subject 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 capturing. Sophomore Guard Jordan Hawkins added 13 factors, 4 rebounds, and shot solely 27.3 % from the sphere. Though UConn didn’t get satisfactory 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, after 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. Bear in mind, the Gaels had been an environment friendly defensive staff. Nonetheless, this didn’t cease the Huskies from scoring. UConn shot 45.5 % from the three-point, and 54 % from the sphere. 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 recreation excessive 14 turnovers, nonetheless, UConn had 5 blocks and supplied nice protection. Gaels star Lane Johnson was held to 9 factors on 3-15 capturing. Sonogo led the best way 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/Below was 142. The Razorbacks received the Cash Line, and the UNDER hit.
The Arkansas Razorbacks impressed in opposition to 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 sphere; nonetheless, 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. That they had a staff excessive 12 steals, and solely 11 turnovers. Junior guard Ricky Council IV led the best way 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 capturing. The Razorbacks misplaced their lead within the second half, not breaking away till the ultimate minutes of the sport. Arkansas protection got here out sturdy, early within the recreation, which made Illinois scramble offensively.
Spherical of 32: Arkansas vs. Kansas: Kansas was favored -4 and the Over/Below was 143.5. The Razorbacks received the Cash Line, lined the unfold, and the UNDER hit.
The Arkansas Razorbacks knocked off defending Nationwide Champions, Kansas Jayhawks 72-71. It’s necessary to notice Kansas was a #1 seed this yr. Not solely did Arkansas outrebound Kansas 36-29, however in addition 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 sphere. Kansas got here out sturdy, 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. Finally, it became 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 Huge East and earned the 4th seed within the NCAA Match. Over their win streak, the closest level differential was their win in opposition to Villanova, 74-66. Throughout that point, the Huskies had key wins in opposition to Alabama, Iowa State, UNC Wilmington, and Villanova. It’s necessary 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 recreation, with 64.7. They’re ranked high 40 in opponent subject purpose share at 40.9 %. As well as, they rank thirtieth in opponents three-point share, limiting groups to 30.3 percent. With Sonogo, Jackson Jr, and Clingan down beneath, they rank third within the nation, limiting groups to 29.6 rebounds a recreation. Offensively, the Huskies ranked thirty first in offensive scoring, led by Adama Sonogo. The Huskies will not be one of the best three-point capturing staff, 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 recreation. Dan Hurley is a incredible coach, main this staff to key wins over Marquette, Creighton, and Alabama in the course of the common season.
UConn has a very 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 greatest threats within the put up. UConn excels off second probability factors, due to Sanogo. He’s one of many essential causes the Huskies are advancing to the Candy 16 and is elite within the low put up. 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 file idiot you. Eric Musselman has performed a incredible job teaching this staff within the event. Nonetheless, this Razorback staff 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 in opposition to San Diego State and Missouri. Their solely two losses got here in opposition to Creighton and LSU. Of their final 19 video games, the Razorbacks completed 8-11. Throughout that stretch, that they had 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 recreation 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 recreation. It’s no secret that the Razorbacks have THREE NBA prospects on their roster. Guard Nick Smith Jr. solely appeared in 16 recreation this season, as a consequence 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 supplied 18 factors over their win in opposition to Kansas.
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
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Arkansas Razorbacks
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Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
Adama Sanogo
It’s no Secret Adama Sonogo has been lights out for UConn this season, and within the event. He averaged a career-high in factors (17.3), assists (1.2), 3-point share (35.4), and subject purpose share (60.5). His 60.5 subject purpose share ranks twenty third within the nation. It’s very exhausting for groups to close down Sanogo down low. He’s a glass-cleaner, who snags rebounds, and offers UConn with second probability factors. He’s scored 52 factors within the first two rounds within the NCAA event, including 21 rebounds and a pair of blocks. As well as, Sanogo is averaging 72.7 share from the sphere within the first two rounds. Search for Sanogo to be a continued pressure contained in the paint and the glass.
Jordan Hawkins
Sophomore Guard Jordan Hawkins has stepped up when the Huskies want it essentially the most. Hawkins is a incredible perimeter participant and is an environment friendly shot creator. Hawkins had an enormous second half in final recreation in opposition to Saint Mary’s. He added 12 factors, and 80 % 3-point capturing. Within the Huskies first spherical win over Iona, Hawkins added 13 factors on 42.9 3-point capturing. This season, he averaged career-highs in factors per recreation (15.9), free-throw share (88.3), 3-point share (37.8), and subject purpose share at 29.4. Search for Hawkins to be a key issue this subsequent recreation.
Arkansas
Davonte Davis
Davonte Davis, Junior guard, has been a strong defensive participant for the Razorbacks this season. He’s averaged 11.1 factors, 1.4 steals, and 34.6 % three-point capturing in 33.2 minutes this season. Within the NCAA Match, Davis added 25 factors, 8 rebounds, on 60 % subject purpose capturing in opposition to their win in opposition to Kansas. He additionally put up 16 factors, 4 steals, and 6 rebounds in opposition to Illinois. It is going to be attention-grabbing to see his matchup in opposition to Jordan Hawkins. Search for Davis to be a key participant within the UConn recreation.
Ricky Council IV
With 1:29 left to go in opposition to Kansas, Council IV hit a game-tying 2-point shot. Within the first spherical in opposition to Illinois, he added 18 factors, 10 rebounds, and shot 91.7 % from the free-throw line. Within the second-round win in opposition to Kansas, Council IV added 21 factors, 1 block, 4 assists, 6 rebounds in 40 minutes. His 91 % three throw share helped Arkansas seal the cope with seconds to go within the recreation.
• UConn averaged 78.5 factors per recreation in the course of the common season.
• Arkansas averaged 74.4 factors per recreation in the course of the common season.
• UConn ranks thirty ninth in factors allowed with 64.7 opponents factors per recreation.
• Arkansas ranks 98th in factors allowed with 67.4 opponents factors per recreation.
• UConn ranks 18th in rebounds per recreation with 38.9.
• Arkansas ranks one hundred and fortieth in rebounds per recreation 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 shots with 4.9 per recreation.
• Arkansas ranks tenth in blocked pictures with 5.1 per recreation.
• UConn averages 35.7 % from the 3-point, whereas Arkansas averages 31.7 % past the arc.
SPREAD: UConn -4
–UConn lined the unfold in 8 of their final 10 video games.
–Arkansas lined the unfold in 6 their final 10 video games.
–UConn has a 23-11-1 file ATS this season.
–Arkansas has a 18-16-1 file 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 lined the unfold by +3.5 in opposition to Kansas, and -2.5 in opposition to Illinois. Nonetheless, I just like the tempo UConn is taking part in at, and so they have an environment friendly defensive staff. 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 staff offensively and have a imply protection. If Arkansas can cowl the perimeter, UConn could possibly be in bother. I like UConn Cash line right here.
OVER/UNDER- Below
–UConn Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +0.79
–Arkansas Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +0.04
–UConn General O/U Document: 19-16-0
-Arkansas O/U Document: 14-20-1
–UConn hit the UNDER in 7 of their final 10 video games.
–Arkansas is 5-5 for the Over/Under their final 10 video games.
140 looks like a good quantity right here. I feel each side play exhausting 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 recreation. I just like the beneath.
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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 overlook to comply with her on Twitter: @GGirlSports
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