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It’s been some time since the UConn Huskies lost a tournament game.
You have to go all the way back to March 10, 2023 to find the last time UConn lost a game in a postseason tourney.
That defeat came in the Big East semifinals against eventual winners Marquette, and anything short of another trip to the semis would be a disappointment for Dan Hurley’s side.
UConn opens its title as a 6.5-point favorite against Villanova on Thursday evening in the Big East quarterfinals.
Read our preview for this clash between two Big East bluebloods and check out an exclusive sign-up offer from Fanatics Sportsbook below.
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UConn vs. Villanova odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova | +6.5 | +230 | o134.5 |
| UConn | -6.5 | -295 | u134.5 |
UConn vs. Villanova Prediction
Nobody is going to discredit the Huskies after what we’ve seen from this program over the last two years. Until they’re defeated, UConn remains a threat to cut down the nets at the Garden and at the Alamodome.
That said, there are very few folks out there that believe that this year’s UConn can reach the heights that we saw in 2023 and 2024.
UConn is projected to be a No. 8 seed in the tournament ahead of this game, they’re ranked 34th by KenPom, and they are 100/1 to three-peat.
Perhaps a deep run in the Big East Tournament can change minds and get everyone saying “here we go again.”
For Villanova, this is essentially an elimination game. The Wildcats are right on the bubble, but a loss to UConn would likely seal their fate.
The key to this game is going to be the pace. While neither one of these teams grades out as elite on either side of the ball, they do have the same superpower. Both UConn and Villanova are masters at limiting possessions in a game.
UConn ranks 331st in the country in Adjusted Tempo, per KenPom, while Villanova is even slower at 354. This should be a rock fight.
UConn vs. Villanova Pick
There tends to be at least one (usually more) classic during the Big East Tournament and this one sets up as a candidate to go to the wire. Not only do these teams prefer to play at a snail’s pace, but they’ve already played a couple of close games this season.
The Wildcats defeated UConn, 68-66, back in January and then the Huskies paid them back with a 66-59 win one month ago.
Not only does this contest have all the right ingredients for a play on the Under 134.5, but it’s also worth considering a sprinkle on the game to go to overtime at +1700.
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Pick(s): Under 134.5; Will there be overtime? Yes (+1700)
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