Arkansas vs. Connecticut Betting Preview and Pick

Arkansas (20-13 SU 19-16 ATS) vs. Connecticut (25-8 SU 23-12 ATS)
When: Thursday, March 23rd: 7:15 ET
Where: T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas, NV
TV: CBS
Point Spread: U OF A +3.5/UConn -3.5
Total: 139.5
Money Line: Arkansas Razorbacks +147/Connecticut Huskies -179

On Thursday, March 23rd, the Arkansas Razorbacks will take on the Connecticut Huskies at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV with tip-off scheduled for 7:15 PM ET. The point spread for the game is listed at Ark +3.5/UConn -3.5, with the total line set at 139.5. CBS will broadcast the game live.

Line Movement

The Huskies hit the board as a -4 favorite but have been bet down to -3.5 at most sportsbooks. The opened at 139.5 and hasn’t moved.

Last Game Info

Arkansas will be looking for another mild upset, as they most recently defeated Kansas by a score of 72-71. The Razorbacks picked up an ATS victory as +4 point underdogs. The combined 143 points did not surpass the 144 total line.

Connecticut picked up a victory over Saint Mary’s by a score of 70-55. Heading into the game, the Huskies were favored to win, with a point spread of -4. The combined 125 points did not surpass the 126 total line.

Current Form

Arkansas
Over their last five games, Arkansas has a straight-up record of 3-2 while going 3-2 vs. the spread. Over this stretch, the Razorbacks’ offense averages 71.2 points per game while hitting 42.1% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 48.0% from the field while allowing 77.8 points per contest.

Connecticut
In their previous five contests, Connecticut is 4-1 straight up and 4-1 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 79.0 points per game on a shooting percentage of 48.6%. Defensively, they allow teams to hit 41.2% of their shots while giving up 68.0 points per game.

Average Power Rating Of Opponents Played

This season, the combined power rating of Arkansas’ opponents comes in at 85.6. Conversely, Connecticut’s combined opponent power rating sits at 83.6.

How Does Arkansas Fare On Neutral Courts?

This season, the Razorbacks are 6-2 in games on neutral courts.

How Does Connecticut Fare On Neutral Courts?

On neutral courts, the Huskies put together a mark of 6-1 this season.

Offense vs. Defense

For the season, Arkansas is averaging 76.9 points per game (53rd) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 44.0%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against a Connecticut defense that has allowed an average of 65.0 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 40.9% of their shots vs. Connecticut. On the other side, the Connecticut Huskies are coming into the game averaging 75.2 points per game on a shooting percentage of 43.6%. The Huskies will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 67.4 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 41.9% of their shots vs. the Razorbacks.

Three-Point Shooting

From beyond the arc, Arkansas has a shooting percentage of 30.7% while ranking 450th in attempts per game. The Razorbacks will be facing a Connecticut defense with a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 29.3%. Connecticut enters the game, having hit 35.4% of their looks from deep while averaging 7.44 made threes per game. On the other end, Arkansas has allowed opponents to hit 30.7% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Injuries Of Note

Arkansas

• Trevon Brazile (Out) Knee
• Anthony Black (Probable) Foot

Connecticut

• No Reported Injuries

Pick Against The Spread

On paper, UConn has a lot of statistical edges. They have a higher average score margin and average 4.2 more points per game. They are stronger on the boards ranking 3rd in offensive rebounds and 20th in defensive rebounds. The Huskies are also better on defense, with the 11th-ranked opponent’s effective field goal percentage and 19th in opponent two-point percentage. You could argue that the SEC is stronger than the Big East, and you may be correct, but the Big East has been excellent in the tourney going 7-2 versus the SEC’s 9-5.

Uconn is 11-2 in their last 13 games, with losses by three to Creighton on the road and by two to Marquette on a neutral court. Arkansas is only 3-4 in its last seven games, losing by six or more in each defeat. Take Uconn -3.5