The Big East takes center stage tonight, as the No. 25 UConn Huskies take on the No. 9 Marquette Golden Eagles.
Despite a rough start to the season, the Huskies have looked solid in conference play but now have their stiffest test in front of them.
Can the Huskies hang tough with the Golden Eagles, or will Marquette run away with it after being listed as a moderate favorite on Saturday?
Let’s dive into my Marquette vs. UConn picks, college basketball predictions and NCAAB parlay for Saturday, Feb. 1.
Marquette vs. UConn Odds
| Marquette Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 143.5 -110o / -110u | -300 |
| UConn Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 143.5 -110o / -110u | +240 |
Marquette vs. UConn Same-Game Parlay
- UConn +6.5 (-110)
- Kam Jones Under 4.5 Rebounds (-150)
- Chase Ross Over 0.5 Made 3s (-110)
Parlay Odds: +475 via bet365
Remember that same-game parlays are long shots for a reason, so please bet responsibly.
Spread: UConn +6.5
The Huskies have fallen off defensively this season, and that’s apparent by their rank of 128th in adjusted defensive efficiency. However, they are the better team offensively in this one, ranking 12th in adjusted offensive efficiency compared to the Golden Eagles (ranked 32nd).
If they can keep rolling offensively, the Huskies have other edges that should help them keep this matchup tight. The biggest is controlling the glass.
Marquette is not a team that makes a concerted effort to rebound on either end, ranking outside the top 150 in offensive and defensive rebounding rates. UConn ranks in the top 100 in each category.
The other big factor is the tempo. UConn is one of the slowest teams in the country, ranking 331st in adjusted tempo. While Marquette ranks 127th, their struggles to rebound the ball defensively will inhibit their chances to push the ball up the floor.
Defending from a half-court set gives the Huskies the best chance to contain the Golden Eagles and also limits their number of possessions.
Marquette Player Prop: Kam Jones Under 4.5 Rebounds
We already talked about the big advantage the Huskies will have on the boards in this one. Well, that’s going to impact multiple Golden Eagles, but it will minimize Kam Jones on the defensive glass.
Jones has gone under this total in six of his last ten games, and everything points to him staying under once again. UConn ranks fourth in rebounds allowed. With the Huskies doing the majority of their shooting from the perimeter, Jones won’t be around the paint to secure defensive rebounds.
Add in the slower tempo, which will limit his rebound opportunities, and this under is a strong addition to our SGP.
Marquette Player Prop: Chase Ross Over 0.5 Made 3s (-110)
Despite playing nearly 75 percent of the minutes this season, guard Chase Ross is far from a top-scoring option on the Marquette offense. However, UConn is very susceptible from beyond the arc, ranking 333rd in three-point percentage allowed.
Ross will likely be the overlooked man in this matchup, and he’s shown he can be efficient from downtown. He’s made over 35 percent of his three-point attempts and averages over three attempts per game.
Given the percentages and matchup, the option of Ross sinking one is much more likely than the odds imply. Back him to stay hot from downtown and secure our SGP.
