Northwestern (9) vs. UConn (1) Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
This East Region matchup from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center features the Huskies as 14.5-point favourites to win on the college basketball odds, while the total is set at 135.5.
Northwestern vs. UConn NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting
The winner of this game is headed to the Sweet 16 where they will face either No. 5 San Diego State or No. 13 Yale. UConn has made 19 appearances in the Sweet 16, including last year on their run to winning a fifth national championship. Northwestern has never reached the Sweet 16 as they bowed out in the second round in both of their previous appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
The Wildcats are 22-11 straight up on the year, but they’re just 3-2 SU in neutral site games and 6-8 SU as an underdog. They’re 18-13-2 against the spread overall, including 7-2 ATS in their last nine games. The total has gone Under in five of Northwestern’s last seven games.
UConn is a sterling 32-3 SU this season, including a perfect 8-0 SU in neutral site games. They’ve also been a strong cover option, going 23-12 ATS, including 7-1 ATS in their last eight games. The total has gone Under in five of the Huskies’ last seven games.
Northwestern Wildcats (9)
It took overtime to make it happen, but Northwestern punched their ticket to the second round with a 77-65 victory against FAU on Friday. Ryan Langborg had a career-high 27 points, including a 12-point run in overtime. Leading scorer Boo Buie finished with 22 points and Brooks Barnhizer had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Turnovers were key as the Wildcats had just 11 while FAU had 21. Northwestern also held FAU to 18.5 per cent shooting from beyond the arc.
Strong performances from Langborg, Buie and Barnhizer will be key if Northwestern has a chance of upsetting UConn in the second round. Langborg was particularly clutch in the first round as his 27-point performance was a major step up from the 12.7 points per game he averages this season. Buie averages team-highs in points per game (19.3) and assists (5.1). Barnhizer is second on the team with 14.5 ppg and leads in rebounds (7.5) and steals (1.8).
Connecticut Huskies (1)
It was no great surprise in the first round when UConn demolished 16-seed Stetson 91-52. All five Huskies starters scored double digit points and the team was able to stay fresh as eight players reached at least 16 minutes of time on the court. Donovan Clingan led the way with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Cam Spencer had 15 points and Stephon Castle added 14. Leading scorer Tristen Newton finished with 13 points and eight assists.
Newton is averaging team-highs in points (15.1) and assists (6.1). Clingan leads the team in rebounds (7.2) and blocks (2.2). UConn is the No. 1 ranked team in the nation per KenPom. They outscore opponents by an average of 17.6 ppg, with the Huskies’ offence averaging 81.7 ppg while the defence is holding opponents to 64.1 ppg.
NW
CONN