Northwestern vs. UConn: NCAA Tournament Odds & Picks (Sunday)
On Selection Sunday, the East Region was considered by many as the most difficult. It was the prize that defending champion UConn was rewarded with after a phenomenal regular season. Four teams, including the Huskies, will fight on Sunday for two of the spots in Boston. Here’s a closer look at those matchups: Northwestern vs. UConn.
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NCAA Tournament: East Region Sunday Game Previews
(Odds courtesy of Fanduel Sportsbook)
9 Northwestern vs 1 UConn
Connecticut made light work of their First Round matchup with the Stetson Hatters. They held the opponent to 52 points and 3 of 20 shooting from behind the arc. Stetson had no answers whatsoever for the UConn offense. After the Huskies ended a rough shooting stretch to start the game, the offense got going to the tune of 91 points on 52.9% shooting including 60.9% from two. Next up is a Northwestern team that will provide much more of a challenge.
Northwestern survived an overtime thriller against FAU in the First Round. The Wildcats, who actually have a top 10 3P% in the country, struggled shooting early but got hot down the stretch and into overtime. If was their lockdown defense that gave FAU all kinds of fits. The Owls committed 21 turnovers and shot just 18.5% on 27 3PA. UConn is a different beast, but Northwestern won’t be scared.
The Wildcats may not have the athleticism of the Huskies, but they have the size to matchup with UConn. These are two of the slowest tempo teams in the country so expect this game to come down to offensive and defensive execution and that’s a place where Northwestern feels comfortable. I expect the Huskies to move onto Boston but this scrappy Northwestern squad will make them sweat.
Pick: Northwestern +14.5 (-110)