Gonzaga vs. UConn Betting Preview: Prediction for December 14

Gonzaga Bulldogs (7-2 SU, 6-3 ATS) vs. Connecticut Huskies (7-3 SU, 6-4 ATS)

When: Saturday, December 14th, 8:00 PM (ET)

Where: Madison Square Garden, NY, New York

TV: FOX

Point Spread: Gonz -1.5/UCONN +1.5

Total: 153

Money Line: Zags -134/+110

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Notable Injuries

Bulldogs

• Steele Venters (Out) Achilles
• Braeden Smith (Out) Redshirt

Huskies

• Ahmad Nowell (Questionable) Shoulder

Recent Form

Gonzaga Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Gonzaga’s season record now stands at 7-2 after a 90-89 loss to Kentucky on Saturday. The Bulldogs, who were -6 favorites going into the game, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 179, surpassing the over/under line of 166.5.

Gonzaga appeared to be in control after leading 50-34 at halftime, but they faltered in the second half, scoring just 29 points while allowing 45. The Bulldogs will need to address their second-half performance as they move forward.

Connecticut improved to 7-3 on the season with a 76-65 road win over Texas on Sunday. Entering the game as +1.5 point underdogs, the Huskies not only secured the win but also covered the spread.

UConn jumped out to a 42-24 lead at halftime but allowed 41 points in the 2nd half while scoring 34. The game’s total points of 141 matched the pre-game O/U line.

Analysis

Gonzaga put up 89 points in their last game, shooting 46.5% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 50.7%, with a strong 61.4% on two-pointers, but they struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 6 of 27 threes (22.2%).

Graham Ike led the way with 28 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 56.2% overall. Andrew Carr added 19 points on 66.7% shooting, and Jaxson Robinson contributed 18 points, hitting 2 of 5 threes.

Gonzaga’s defense struggled, giving up 90 points on 45% shooting. They allowed 54% from inside the arc, with the opponent hitting 27 of 50 two-point attempts.

From three-point range, Gonzaga held their opponent to 28%, with seven made threes on 25 attempts. The opponent also shot 83% from the free-throw line, making 15 of 18.

The Huskies’ offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting 51.9% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc in their latest game. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 59.3%, with 21 assists on 28 made field goals.

Tre Johnson led the way with 24 points and four assists, while Alex Karaban added 21 points and 11 rebounds. Arthur Kaluma contributed 20 points, hitting 3 of 4 from three-point range.

Connecticut’s defense held their opponent to 65 points, allowing them to shoot 42% from the field. The Huskies limited two-point opportunities, with their opponent hitting just 39% of their shots inside the arc, going 13/33.

From three-point range, Connecticut’s opponent shot 47%, making 8 of 17 attempts. The Huskies also sent them to the line 24 times, where they converted 15 free throws for 62%. Connecticut gave up seven offensive rebounds in the game.

Betting Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Bulldogs have a straight-up record of 7-3 while going 6-4 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 80 points per game in these contests.
• In their last three games at home, the Huskies have a straight-up record of 1-2 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 71 points per game in these contests.
• Through their last five games as the betting underdog, the Huskies have a strong record vs the spread, going 3-2. Their straight-up mark in these contests is 2-3.
• Through their last three games as the favorite, the Bulldogs have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight-up mark of 2-1.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

We have a great matchup on Saturday, as two college basketball powerhouses meet up at Madison Square Garden. Currently, Gonzaga is the -1.5 point favorite, but they are going to have to play in what is basically a home game for Uconn. After falling to Dayton at the end of November, the Huskies have wins over Baylor and Texas, and they appear to be picking up some steam. Gonzaga, on the other hand, fell just short vs Kentucky in a big-time matchup last Saturday. I think Uconn gets a big boost in front of a favorable crowd tonight, and I’m taking them to win this one outright.