The Gonzaga Bulldogs take on the Connecticut Huskies in New York, NY. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
Gonzaga is favored by 2.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -130. The total is set at 151 points.
Here are my Gonzaga vs. UConn predictions and college basketball picks for December 14, 2024.
Gonzaga vs UConn Prediction
My Pick: Under 151.5 (Play to 150)
My Gonzaga vs UConn best bet is on the under, with the best odds currently available at DraftKings. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Gonzaga vs UConn Odds
| Gonzaga Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 151 -110 / -110 | -130 |
| UConn Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 151 -110 / -110 | +110 |
- Gonzaga vs UConn spread: UConn -1.5
- Gonzaga vs UConn over/under: 151.5 points
- Gonzaga vs UConn moneyline: Gonzaga -130, UConn +110
- Gonzaga vs UConn best bet: Under 151.5 (Play to 150)
Spread
I'm passing on the spread.
Moneyline
I'm passing on the moneyline.
Over/Under
I'm taking the under.
My Pick: Under 151.5 (Play to 150)
Gonzaga vs UConn College Basketball Betting Preview
Gonzaga Basketball
The Bulldogs are second in adjusted offensive efficiency, so their offensive results are very much for real. Between forwards Graham Ike and Braeden Huff, they have one of the best frontcourts in America.
That is the biggest mismatch of the evening, in my opinion, as the Huskies do not have the likes of Donovan Clingan or Adama Sanogo to contain the twin towers of Ike and Huff.
Both of these teams are excellent on the boards, but I have to give the edge to the Bulldogs here.
The Bulldogs have struggled to get quality shots up. They are 245th in Rim & 3 Rate, which suggests they are due for negative regression. We saw a glimpse of that last week against Kentucky, so we shall see how they respond.
They do not rely on the triple offensively despite shooting 34% as a team, which is slightly above average. I expect the majority of their points to funnel through Ike and Huff down low.
We should see favorable fortune moving forward regarding opponent free throws, especially since the Bulldogs' opponents are shooting 75% at the line.
They do not turn the ball over on offense, limiting the opposition's chance of getting out in transition too often.
I think the Bulldogs' offense could struggle from deep, so if Ike or Huff have a rough night, we could see quite a few lulls of offensive basketball.
UConn Basketball
I am still waiting to say that the Huskies are back, as this is a statement game for them. If they can pull off the win against the Bulldogs, they will be right back into the conversation as one of the best teams in the country.
Alex Karaban is the heart and soul of the Huskies' team. He made a huge impact in their victory over Texas last time out.
I have questions about the Huskies' ability to keep up offensively with the Bulldogs. The Huskies are due for serious fortune in the 3-point department, especially on defense.
They are outside the top 330 in 3-point percentage allowed despite ranking 18th in 3-point attempts allowed. Moving forward, they should see better defensive results.
The Huskies' aggressiveness is really hurting them. They are outside the top 340 in free throw attempts allowed per game, which tells me that their opponents are benefiting from easy points and a lot of key players getting into foul trouble.
They will have the height advantage despite taking on Ike and Huff, and I truly believe their defense should step up here. The Huskies are fourth in adjusted offensive efficiency and second in 2-point percentage.
The Bulldogs have allowed their opponents to score a fair amount against them inside, so I would expect the Huskies to consistently attack inside.
I predict the Huskies will slow down the game with their snail tempo and utilize the interior for most of their points.
Gonzaga vs. UConn Betting Analysis
I like the under in this spot. The Huskies should start making a strong defensive effort moving forward, and I also like that they are a complete snail on offense.
I like the Huskies' size advantage, which should cause some disruption to the Bulldogs' offense. However, I can't back the Huskies here despite catching points on a semi-home court.
KenPom projects the total at 156, which is high enough to grab my attention when I stare at the market. I will trust the sharp action to keep the game lower than people expect.
We should see a lot of rebounding and long possessions from Dan Hurley's team to help keep the total low.
