Miami vs. UConn Prediction & Odds
Number five seed Miami and #4 seed UConn head to Houston to face each other at 8:49 PM ET Saturday night on CBS in the NCAA Tournament Final Four.
Can the Hurricanes cover the 5.5-point spread as neutral-site underdogs?
Miami is 29-7 on the year with their best wins coming over Houston and Texas. Their worst losses came against Georgia Tech and Florida State. The Hurricanes are 22-14 against the spread this season.
UConn is 29-8 this season with their best wins coming over Alabama and Gonzaga. Their worst losses came against St. John’s and Seton Hall. The Huskies are 25-11-1 against the spread this year.
Game Matchup and Betting Odds
703 Miami Hurricanes (+5.5) vs. 704 UConn Huskies (-5.5); O/U 149.5
8:49 PM ET, Saturday, April 1, 2023
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Miami vs. UConn Public Betting Information
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that the public favors the Huskies in this contest. Our public betting data illustrates that 64% of public bets are on UConn -5.5. Do note that these numbers are subject to change and could be different once tipoff rolls around, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Miami Game Notes
Miami guard Nijel Pack has led the Hurricanes in scoring in the NCAA Tournament. Pack is averaging 18.5 points per game and is shooting an efficient 51% from the field in the Canes’ four tournament games thus far.
In the past few weeks, Miami guard Jordan Miller has also excelled in the NCAA Tournament for the Canes. Miller is pouring in 16.5 points per game while hitting 62.2% of his field goal attempts in four tournament games. Pack, Miller, and Isaiah Wong are all shooting over 86% from the free-throw line during the tournament and that may come into play on Saturday.
UConn Game Notes
UConn’s Jordan Hawkins missed the team’s open practice on Friday with a non-COVID illness that’s been described as a stomach bug. Hawkins is UConn’s best guard and best shooter as he’s averaging 17.3 points per game in the NCAA Tournament while converting a sizzling 51.6% of his three-point tries. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, regarding Hawkins’ status, there is “a belief throughout the program that he will play” against Miami on Saturday night. But it’s worth monitoring Hawkins’ status all the way up to game time.
UConn’s best big man, leading scorer, and top rebounder is 6’9” junior forward Adama Sanogo. The Mali native is posting 20 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in this year’s NCAA Tournament, and his interior presence will likely have a significant impact on the outcome of this game.
Miami vs. UConn CBB Betting Trends
UConn is 20-6 ATS in their last 26 NCAA Tournament games.
UConn is 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games following an outright win of more than 20 points.
UConn is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS win.
UConn is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games.
Miami vs. UConn CBB Prediction:
The biggest storyline this weekend will be the health of Huskies guard Jordan Hawkins. Hawkins leads all NCAA Tournament players in made three-pointers with 16 and his ability to shoot the ball is key to opening up the floor for UConn big men Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan.
Both Clingan and Huskies guard Andre Jackson seemed confident that Jordan Hawkins will be able to play on Saturday. If he’s able to play and make a significant contribution, I think UConn can win this game going away. The Huskies have won their four NCAA Tournament games by an average of 20.5 points per game. UConn has ascended to the #1 spot in adjusted efficiency margin on KenPom.com, and the eye test backs that up. The Huskies haven’t lost a non-conference game all season, and I don’t think they lose their first one on Saturday. I’ll lay the points with UConn.
CBB BETTING PREDICTION: UCONN HUSKIES -5.5
