One More Day

You've probably heard about this weekend's Final Four slate and the unexpected teams involved. While SDSU and FAU are certainly surprising, the UConn and Miami primetime matchup isn't as shocking - The Huskies were ranked throughout the regular season, and Miami reached the Elite 8 last year and returned most of their stars 💪

As a UConn supporter myself, one aspect of tomorrow's game that frightens me is Jim Larrañaga's track record against the Huskies in big spots. In 2006 he was coaching George Mason and managed to lead the mid-major to the Final Four, ultimately upsetting a heavily favored UConn team in the Elite Eight 🥊

To focus on something more tangible though, both of these teams boast capable offenses that can put up points in a hurry thanks to their shooting. Miami often runs 5-out sets where each player (their starters and Bensley Joseph) is capable of bringing the ball up the floor to initiate the offense 💡

• The Hurricanes also roster five players that are taking more than four three-pointers per 100 possessions at just above a 35% clip

• Nijel Pack is an absolute sniper, shooting 44.1% from deep over his last 20 games, on 11.3 attempts (per 100 possessions)

• UConn's Jordan Hawkins, who won the Most Outstanding Player for the West region, is putting up 17.3 PPG on over 50% shooting from beyond the arc through four tourney games

No. 5 Miami vs. No. 4 Uconn Betting Preview (subject to change)

• Spread: UConn -5.5

• Moneyline: UConn -250 (bet $250, win $100), Miami +202 (bet $100, win $202)

• O/U: 149.5 Total Points

• When: 8:49PM EST on CBS

Right now my bracket is locked in a tie for first. My opponent is stuck at their current score, having no teams remaining in the Final Four. One win from the Huskies is all I need to avoid the disappointing outcome of winning but needing to split the pot. Pray for me 🙏

Tradition vs. Modernity

It might be a stretch to call UConn a blueblood (even though I would), but they are the closest thing to a traditional powerhouse still left in the tournament. Four titles over the last 24 years to go along with six final four appearances, compared to Miami's history in the big dance sets up a nice underdog narrative for the Hurricanes 🌀

Narratives aside, the sportsbooks do have Miami as +5.5 underdogs, but I think this game should be closer than the spread suggests. In a lot of ways, these two squads have some similarities to each other. Shooting was already mentioned, but both teams have active, do-it-all wings that play both sides of the ball.

• Jordan Miller measures 6'7 and is a crafty finisher, passer and defender, who can play off the ball effectively while also distributing

• Andre Jackson is UConn's equivalent to this archetype of player — he measures in at 6'6 and often runs the Husky offense. Jackson has 31 assists to just six turnovers over the course of the tournament 👀

If UConn is going to pull out this game, they'll do it through a rebounding advantage. The Huskies are second in the country for rebounding margin, pulling down 9.4 more boards than their opponents 💪

• Depth is also a strong suit, especially when measured against Miami, who only receives 13 PPG from their bench. However, the Hurricanes have trailed in every game so far this tournament - clearly hasn't been a problem

For My Parlay Gurus

While I'm not exactly sure on the outcome of this matchup, I don't think UConn will run through yet another opponent. I'm betting on a wire-to-wire game, so give me the Hurricanes' spread. Considering both teams field powerful offenses, I'm also taking the over on this matchup. Check it out 👇

• Miami +5.5 vs. UConn: -110

• Over 149.5 Total Points: -105

$100 on this bet would win you $242 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win up to $100*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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