Connecticut Huskies vs. Marquette Golden Eagles: Joe’s CBB Best Bet

Marquette Golden Eagles (22-7 SU, 13-15-1 ATS) vs. Connecticut Huskies (20-9 SU, 12-16-1 ATS)

When: Wednesday, March 5th, 8:30 PM (ET)

Where: Gampel Pavilion, CT, Storrs

TV: FS1

Point Spread: MARQ +3.5/UCONN -3.5

Total: 144.5

Money Line: Marquette Golden Eagles +146/-175

Notable Injuries

Golden Eagles

• Sean Jones (Out) Redshirt
• Al Amadou (Out) Redshirt

Huskies

Recent Form

Marquette Golden Eagles Recent Game/Games

Marquette improved to 22-7 on the season with a 76-61 road win over Georgetown on Saturday. The Golden Eagles entered the game as -8.5 point favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 137, falling short of the 147.5 O/U line.

Marquette jumped out to a 39-22 lead at halftime but allowed 39 points in the 2nd half while scoring 37 of their own. Despite the defensive lapse, they held on for the win.

Connecticut Huskies Recent Game/Games

Connecticut improved to 20-9 on the season with a 75-63 road win over Providence on Saturday, March 1st. The Huskies entered the game as 7-point favorites and covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game were 138, falling short of the 146.5 over/under line.

UConn led 41-33 at halftime and maintained control in the second half, outscoring the Friars 34-30 to secure the win.

Analysis

Marquette’s offense was clicking in their last game, as they shot 56.1% from the field and posted an effective field goal percentage of 63.2%. Their two-point shooting was particularly impressive, hitting 72.7% (24/33), while they connected on 33.3% (8/24) from beyond the arc. The Golden Eagles also recorded 18 assists, with Kam Jones dishing out 13 of them.

David Joplin led the team with 17 points and nine rebounds, shooting 63.6% from the field. Ben Gold and Micah Peavy each added 15 points, with Gold hitting 3 of 5 from three-point range. Curtis Williams and Stevie Mitchell both shot 66.7% from deep, with Mitchell contributing 13 points and three assists.

Marquette’s defense was on point, holding their opponent to just 61 points on 34% shooting from the field. They limited two-point attempts to 12/31, a 38% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Marquette gave up seven threes on 24 attempts, a 29% clip. They also sent their opponent to the line 25 times, where they made 16 free throws (64%).

Connecticut’s offense was clicking in their last game, shooting 53.8% from the field and 45% from three-point range, finishing 9-for-20 from deep. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.5%, and they also shot 59.4% on two-point attempts. At the free-throw line, they connected on 10 of 15 attempts, hitting 66.7%.

Tarris Reed Jr. was a force inside, scoring 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting and grabbing 18 rebounds. Alex Karaban added 17 points, hitting 2 of 4 from beyond the arc, while Liam McNeeley and Solo Ball each contributed 14 points, with Ball knocking down 4 of 7 threes.

Connecticut’s defense held their opponent to 63 points, with a field goal percentage of 40% on 20/50 shooting. They limited two-point attempts to 12/30 (40%) and three-point shots to 8/20 (40%).

From the free-throw line, the opponent went 15/23, shooting 65%. Connecticut also gave up eight offensive rebounds in the game.

Betting Trends

• Through their last ten road contests, the Golden Eagles offense has averaged 72 points per game while allowing an average of 69. Marquette posted an overall record of 6-4 while going 4-6 ATS.
• In their last five home games, Connecticut has averaged 73 points per game while allowing 71. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 3-2 vs. the spread.
• Looking back on the team’s last three games as the underdog, the Golden Eagles have a straight-up record of 0-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 0-3.
• Over the team’s last three games as the favorite, the Huskies struggled vs the spread, going just 1-1-1. However, they still had a straight-up mark of 3-0.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

The Golden Eagles have gotten back on track here of late, winning two straight. However, these wins came from Providence and Georgetown. Marquette really struggled vs the Huskies in the first matchup, and now they are on the road. I think Connecticut takes down Marquette for the 2nd time this season and not only wins but covers.