The reigning Men’s Basketball Champions start their title defense March 22 as the favorites to win it again in 2024. The No. 1 overall seed UConn Huskies take on No. 16 Stetson Hatters in the First Round of the East Region at 2:45 PM ET.
The Huskies are first team since the 2007 Florida Gators to enter the following year’s tourney as the betting favorite. As we know, Florida won its second championship in as many years, and is one of two to repeat in the past 30 years.
Do the Hatters have a puncher’s chance of upsetting the best team in the nation?
No. 16 Stetson vs No. 1 UConn Odds
Odds are correct as of Mar. 20 from BetMGM Sportsbook.
- 🤠 Spread: Stetson +26.5 (-110) • UConn -26.5 (-110)
- 🐺 Moneyline: Stetson (+2000) • UConn (-10000)
- 🏀 Total: Over 146.5 (-105) • Under 146.5 (-115)
Not great odds for the Hatters.
Stetson vs UConn Prediction
Would it be fun to say that Stetson can make this game a nail-biter? Of course. It would also be great if money grew on trees.
The Huskies get to face a Hatters defense that ranked 267th in Effective Field Goal Percentage and 345th in Turnover Percentage. Inside, UConn will push through like a warm knife through butter.
Stetson has two very good guards in Jalen Blackmon and Stephan Swenson, who will have sore backs after trying to carry the offense. Their offense does rank 56th in Effective FG%, but lacks rebounding and loses ground to a mediocre UConn Free Throw rate.
Needless to say, this is going to be a ‘Happy to Be Here’ moment for the beloved from DeLand, Florida.
Stetson vs UConn Best Bet
Under 146.5 Points at BetMGM Sportsbook (-115)
UConn is likely to cover the 26.5-point spread, but there’s no need to risk it considering majority of this contest will be garbage time.
The Huskies allowed an averaged of 64.4 points per game, 15th-best in the nation. If Stetson crosses this threshold, then drinks on Dan Hurley.
There is reason to think UConn scores 100 points, but if the game is out of hand in the first half, look for Hurley to pull the reins and let the clock bleed.
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