NCAA Final Four: Connecticut vs. Miami FL Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Connecticut Huskies are now odds-on favorites to win the NCAA Championship as a result of the wildest March Madness we've seen in the modern era. None of the No. 1 seeds even made it to the Elite Eight, and there are no top-three seeds in the Final Four for the first time in history.

Connecticut was the only team that was given respect by the oddsmakers prior to the Sweet 16 as the other three teams had the longest odds to win the NCAA Championship aside from Princeton. The Miami (FL) Hurricanes were one of those squads, and they are trying to keep their miracle season alive as long as possible.

The second Final Four game on Saturday, April 1, 2023, will pit the Connecticut Huskies against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes. This game will tip off at 8:49 p.m. ET on CBS from NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The Hurricanes are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games against UConn. (Getty)

Connecticut Huskies vs. Miami Hurricanes Betting Prediction

Connecticut has been the most dominant team in March Madness by a mile. The Huskies have won all of their NCAA Tournament games by 15 points or more (easily covering the number each time), and their average margin of victory is 22.5 points.

They have been fantastic outside of the Big East all season with a 15-0 record against non-conference opponents and victories over Alabama, Iowa State, Oregon, and Oklahoma State. Miami has been playing well, but the Hurricanes won't be able to stay within the number against a Huskies team that is on a mission.

Best Bet: UConn -5.5 (-110)
Score Prediction: Connecticut 81, Miami (FL) 71

Connecticut Huskies vs. Miami Hurricanes Betting Odds

Connecticut Huskies vs. Miami Hurricanes Betting Resources

Date: Saturday, April 1st, 2023
TV-Time: CBS, 8:49 p.m. ET
Venue: NRG Stadium
Location: Houston, Texas
Matchup
Expert Picks

Connecticut Huskies vs. Miami Hurricanes Betting Stats

Connecticut Huskies
SU: 29-7
ATS: 22-14
O/U: 17-18-1
PPG: 78.8
OPPG: 64.4

Miami Hurricanes
SU: 29-8
ATS: 25-11-1
O/U: 20-17
PPG: 79.6
OPPG: 71.9

Straight Up (SU), Against the Spread (ATS), Over-Under (O/U)
Points Per Game (PPG), Opponents Points Per Game (OPPG)

Updated on 03/18/2024
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Connecticut Huskies Betting Analysis

UConn catches a little bit of a break by playing in the late game because it will allow Adama Sanogo to get some nutrients in his body before tipoff. Sanogo is one of the Huskies' players that is taking part in Ramadan, but he hasn't let that slow him down so far. He has been superb in the block throughout the tournament, averaging 20 PPG and 9.8 RPG in four NCAA Tournament games, and he had six assists against Gonzaga after the Bulldogs decided to bring over an extra defender when he was in the low post.

The Huskies have been incredibly efficient on offense throughout the season, and they have taken that to the next level in March Madness. Jordan Hawkins has been lights out from range, knocking down 16 of his 31 three-point attempts, and Andre Jackson nearly had a triple-double against Gonzaga with eight points, nine rebounds (six offensive!), and 10 assists. Alex Karaban and Donovan Clingan have been great when UConn has decided to go big too, and both players have had an impact on defense too.

This is one of the best rebounding teams in the country with three big men that can take care of business around the cup, and Jackson is also a big help as a 6'6 guard. UConn has been very good on defense too, allowing opponents to make just 29.7% of their three-pointers and 45% of their two-pointers this season. One of their few drawbacks is that they can get into foul trouble, so they are hoping that the game isn't called too tightly.

The Huskies are 9-1 ATS in their last ten games. (Getty)

Miami Hurricanes Betting Preview

This four-guard offense has been electric over the last three games. Miami (FL) struggled to beat Drake in the first round, but the Hurricanes have scored at least 85 points in their wins over Indiana, Houston, and Texas. It looked like they would fall to the Texas Longhorns in the Elite Eight, but they outscored their opponent 30-14 over the final 10 minutes to erase a 13-point victory and get the win.

Miami does an excellent job of moving the ball around the perimeter, and the Hurricanes have four guards that are all making at least 38% of their threes. Isaiah Wong is the leading scorer at 16.2 PPG, and he is making 38.1% of his triples, and Nijel Pack is averaging 13.8 PPG while leading the team with 40.2% shooting from beyond the arc. Wooga Poplar and Bensley Joseph have shined at moments too, and the Canes have turned to Poplar in particular more and more this season.

The key for Miami in this game is Norchad Omier. He is the only big man that sees regular minutes for the Hurricanes, and he is averaging 13.3 PPG and 10.1 RPG. Omier can't afford to get into foul trouble as the Huskies would dominate the Canes in the paint with their big men. Anthony Walker hasn't been very effective, and A.J. Casey has not seen much action lately.