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In a historic outing, the South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 87-75 to capture the NCAA Women's Championship. South Carolina dominated in every way, from bench points to rebounds and defense. Iowa simply could not match their prolific three-pointer shooting and size.
One year ago, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes knocked off South Carolina, ruining their perfect season in the Final Four. This time around, the Gamecocks were crowned champions, finishing a perfect 38-0 to finish out the season. Led by head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks cruised into the history books on Sunday. For Gamecocks sophomore guard Raven Johnson, she got the last laugh.
Defeating Iowa 87-75, the Gamecocks are just the 10th team in Women's NCAA history to finish with a perfect season. As for Dawn Staley, she's built a dynasty in her tenure as head coach of South Carolina. Since taking over for Susan Walvius in 2008-2009, she's led the Gamecocks to three national championships. What's even more impressive is the fact she's captivated three trophies over the last seven seasons. Over the last decade, she's coached 10 WNBA first-round picks, soon to be 11.
Heading into the biggest game of the year, Staley was in attendance for the UConn vs. Iowa game. She had the perfect plan all along on how to perfectly utilize every single player on her roster. She figured out a way to stop the most prolific scorer in NCAA history, Caitlin Clark, which speaks volumes in itself. In a highly anticipated matchup, Staley brilliantly mapped out her masterful scheme to attack the Hawkeyes on the boards and utilize depth and size to crush them.
Although the 2022-2023 squad finished with a 36-1 record, it was a tough task to fill those shoes in the offseason.
Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks made history
Not only did South Carolina finish their first undefeated season in program history, but Staley is the first black Division 1 basketball coach, men's or women's, to lead her team to a perfect season. In doing so, Staley fully reconstructed her roster after losing all five of her starters--Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke,?Laeticia Amihere,?and?Victaria Saxton to the 2023 WNBA Draft.
Johnson was the subject of several memes and viral highlights after she was disrespected in their last matchup. In last year's Final Four, Clark waved off Johnson, leaving her wide open at the three-point line. While Johnson had the opportunity to shoot the trey ball, she passed up the rock. After that matchup, Johnson confessed to watching the film over 100 times.
One year removed from the March Madness tournament, Johnson found herself as the primary lockdown defender on Caitlin Clark, Although Johnson struggled on the offensive end, she was tasked with guarding the Iowa sensation. Clark shot just 5-21 from the field when defended by Johnson. After she finished with 18 first-half points, coach Staley called for a change. She switched out Bree Hall on Clark, for Johnson. A menace on the defensive front, Johnson finished with four steals and two blocks. She understood her assignment, which was arguably the hardest task of anyone on the team.
Before the game, Johnson had a simple game plan in mind, "don't let her [Clark] score." She took the loss personally last year and had some words about her defensive approach:
"I was ready for the moment and take defense very hard, said Raven Johnson. "I studied her moves[ Caitlin Clark], and I was ready--I had confidence this year, and I was telling myself last year wasn't going to happen again."
Caitlin Clark was smothered by Raven Johnson
In the end, Clark couldn't lead her team to a National Championship, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, on 10-28 shooting from the floor. Falling to win a championship for the second consecutive year, let's not take away from coach Lisa Bluder and the exceptional work she's put into the Iowa program. While Clark headlined the entire season, it was the story of her teammates, and her friends, that made the Iowa program so great. Sophomore Hannah Stuelke who's a rising star, had 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the championship game.
With South Carolina chosen as heavy favorites entering the championship game, it was Iowa that held a 27-20 first-quarter lead. After an early 10-0 run, starting with a Kate Martin trey ball, the Hawkeyes looked untouchable and unbeatable. It wasn't until Te-Hina Paopao's three-point jumper that sent South Carolina in front with 27 seconds left in the second quarter. After commanding a 49-47 first-half lead, the Gamecocks never looked back. Paopao, who transferred to South Carolina for this very moment, finished with 14 points, on 75 percent three-point shooting. She announced her return to Columbia for next season.
Kamilla Cardoso had a career night on the boards
With defensive player of the year Kamilla Cardoso the anchor for South Carolina, it was the bench that grabbed the spotlight. Having one of the deepest rosters in the nation, the bench added 37 points for Staley and the Gamecocks. While the scoring was evenly distributed throughout the 10-player roster, it was the freshman who shined through.
Minnesota native Tessa Johnson was recruited by Staley to produce off the bench in her first season. A 6'1 guard, Johnson had a season average of 6.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. In 35 games played, she earned the starting nod just two times for Staley and the Gamecocks. Although her minutes and scoring remained inconsistent for a great part of the season, Johnson has been a staple for the Staleys stay-ready group off the bench.
However, it's clear the freshman guard was recruited for a reason, and eventually earned coach Staley's trust. As the NCAA tournament progressed, so did her contributions to the team. After a season-high 30 minutes played against Presbyterian in the first round, the former McDonalds All-American continued to show why she's such a valuable asset to this squad. She finished with a combined 26 points against UNC in the Sweet 16, and Oregon State, in the Elite Eight. The trust was there for Johnson to earn 25 minutes of playing time against Iowa, and she shined in the biggest stage.
South Carolina's freshmen stole the show
And what a career night it was for Tessa Johnson. In front of the entire nation, and 18.9 million viewers, the freshman put up a career-high 19 points on 7-11 (63.6 percent) from the floor, and 3-6 (50 percent) from beyond the arc. Let's call it the "Tessa Johnson effect." In transition, or inside, Johnson was a bucket.
For Dawn Staley, her rotations were set for this matchup. While Iowa's bench didn't produce a single point, the Gamecocks capitalized on that. For freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley, she proved why she's the next generational talent. At 5'10, she possesses the quickness, speed, and finesse that no other athlete has proven in the game. In 18 minutes, she added nine points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and one block.
Overall, all of Staley's players had a crucial role in the Championship game. Running double bigs with Cardoso and Chloe Kitts was brilliant, as Iowa was a bit undersized. Ashlyn Watkins, Sania Feagin--everyone had a piece of the pie. It was the overall collaborative effort that impressed me the most. While it's normal for coaches to shorten their rotations during championship moments, Staley put the nation on full display who in fact plays for her.
As for Kamilla Cardoso, she certainly increased her draft stock on Sunday. Declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft as a senior, center shined, even while battling an injury. It was in the Final Four matchup, where she injured her knee against NC State. Although she received treatment, Cardoso made sure the injury didn't stop her from competing in the biggest moment.
South Carolina Gamecocks were too powerful in depth and size
The bottom line, the Iowa Hawkeyes weren't able to match South Carolina's size, especially with Cardoso listed as 6'7. Cardoso has been a problem the entire season for opponents and showed exactly why in the title game. Although Staley managed her minutes to perfection, Cardoso finished with 15 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. While 10 of those came on the defensive end, seven helped the Gamecocks control the offensive boards and second-chance opportunities. South Carolina ultimately obliterated Iowa on the boards, 51-29.
Cardoso, named Most Outstanding Player, put it all on the floor in her last collegiate game. Adding three blocks and two assists, the Brazil native was simply getting it done on both ends of the floor. When Iowa continued to drive inside, Cardoso was there to lock it up. With several and one opportunities, not even Iowa standout Hannah Stuelke could stop her. Outscoring Iowa 48-32 in the paint, Chloe Kitts poured in a double-double as well, with 11 points, and 10 rebounds.
Sunday was the ultimate matchup between the most outstanding offensive in the nation (Iowa) vs. the top defense (South Carolina).
After the game, the tears were flowing for coach Staley. In a post-game interview with Holly Rowe, Staley stated "We serve an unbelievable god," before breaking down in tears. With all of the hard work she's put into the program, it's always been her relationship with her faith and God that's made all things possible this season.
Hats off to both teams. No matter what the outcome, the growth of both teams has shaped the future of women's basketball for years to come.
Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA-related?articles.?Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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]]>Tune into Episode 7 of the Cook it and Book it Podcast, sponsored by Ballislife, as hosts Sara Jane Gamelli and Looch start things off by sharing their top NCAA March Madness Men's and Women's Championship bets. Get ready for some sizzling betting insights from both hosts!
(0:00 -2:00): In the opening segment, Sara Jane and Looch are welcomed back after a few weeks ago. In episode 7 of Cook it and Book it, they break down the latest NCAA breaking news, and their Men's and Women's NCAA March Madness tittle game predictions.
(2:00- 7:30) In the subsequent segment, Sara Jane and Looch discuss Bronny James, son of LeBron James, and his decision to enter the 2024 NBA Draft. With his decision, James enters the NCAA transfer portal after one season with USC, maintaining his NCAA eligibility.
(7:31-11:30) In their NCAA women's segment, the hosts delve into the players who recently declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft, and Hailey Van Lith's decision to enter the transfer portal after one season with LSU.
(11:31-32:00) In the March Madness segment, SJ and Looch break down the Women's NCAA Final Four matchups. With a highly anticipated NCAAW Championship game, they give their best bets and predictions for the Iowa vs. South Carolina matchup.
(34:00-50:00) SJ and Looch break down the NCAA Men's Final Four games, and their best bets and predictions for UConn vs. Purdue Championship matchup.
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]]>South Carolina rolls by NC State to reach their second NCAA Women's Championship game in three years.
You have to give credit where credit is due. Head coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks were expected to regress after losing a bulk of their starters last season. Instead, for the first time in program history, South Carolina finished undefeated on the year. A perfect 37-0, the no. 1 Gamecocks secured themselves a Final Four victory over no. 3 NC State Wolfpack. In attendance were former Gamecocks, Aliyah Boston and A'ja Wilson.
And now they are the first team to head to the NCAA Finals with an undefeated record for the first time since the UConn Huskies in 2016.
South Carolina entered this matchup as the heavy favorites by an 11.5-point spread after knocking off Presbyterian, UNC, Indiana, and Oregon State in the previous rounds. Leading the nation with a +29.3 point differential, they showed the basketball world just who they were on Friday.
In a post-game interview with Indiana Fever center on ESPN, Staley shared a heartfelt moment with her former player. While Boston was a staple of their championship run, it was Iowa that sent them packing in last year's Final Four. Stating how proud she is of the former Gamecock, she reiterated they want to seek redemption for Boston. Boston was a four-year player for Staley at South Carolina and was drafted No.1 overall by Indiana in the 2023 WNBA Draft.
"We're excited", Staley told ESPN's Aliyah Boston. "This is the place we wanted to be. We want to do it for you. We really want to take care of Sunday for you and the freshies because you gave basketball everything you had, and you came up short in your senior year."
The Gamecocks broke the game open in the third quarter
Tied 16 all in the first quarter, the Wolfpack kept the game relatively close, 32-31 at the have. While NC State had an incredible season, they truly never had a chance against the Gamecocks. Undefeated. Dominant. South Carolina steamrolled past another team in the tournament. Led by 6'7 center Kamila Cardoso, she finished with a game-high 22 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, on 10-12 field goal shooting.
And just like that - GAMECOCKS UP 1⃣2⃣!! TIMEOUT NC STATE
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) April 6, 2024@espn pic.twitter.com/1piImuZ1WN
Heading into the third quarter, the Gamecocks turned on the Jets, outscoring NC State 29-6 in the third quarter. Yes, you heard that right, NC State scored just six points. Showing their defensive prowess, this team plays their best when they run plays on both sides of the ball through Cardoso. Aside from a pair of free throws, Wolfpack guard Aziaha James scored the lone bucket in the third quarter. NC State shot 1-11 as a whole in the third. In fact their 29 points in that quarter was the most scored in given period in Women's Final Four history.
Credit James, who finished with a team-high 20 points on 6-17 shooting. Although South Carolina put the clamps on her, James was the glue to their magical March Madness run. While Cardoso had a field day in the paint, it was more about the depth of South Carolina and their contributions off the bench.
Saniya Rivers, who won a title with South Carolina, transferred to NC State her sophomore year. This season, she averaged 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. A main staple for their success, Rivers struggled, shooting just 2-11 from the floor with five turnovers.
Lucky for Staley, she had the luxury of resting Cardoso in the fourth quarter. This came after she suffered an apparent leg injury in the third quarter. Although she returned, the center donned a black leg sleeve for the rest of the matchup.
Staley built talent around Kamilla Cardoso
Speaking of the bench, it was Ashlyn Watkins who received heavy minutes of playing time. Standing at 6 foot 3, the guard became the first player in South Carolina women's basketball history to record a dunk in 2022 vs. Clemson. Showcasing her incredible vertical leap and spacing, Watkins grabbed 20 boards against NC State. South Carolina dominated NC State on the rebounds, 46-32.
A force on the inside, 15 of her 20 rebounds came on the defensive end. Limiting NC State to just 32.3 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from deep, it was securing defensive stops and rebounds which led to offensive opportunities. In addition to her enormous efforts on the glass, Watkins poured in eight points, one assist, and two blocks.
During that colossal third quarter, the Gamecocks missed only seven field goal attempts. It was third-year guard Raven Johnson who impressed the most. Initially headed to the locker room with an apparent injury, she came back to finish with 13 points, on 3-5 three-point shooting. A lockdown defender, Johnson added three steals and five assists on the night. She shot 4-5 from the floor in the second half.
— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) April 6, 2024
SOUTH CAROLINA IS HEADED TO THE FINALS
The Gamecocks defeat NC State 78-59 and cover the -11.5 point spread pic.twitter.com/ibXdnTxQgG
In a talented backfield, Senior transfer Te-Hina Paopao finished with 10 points on 2-5 three-point shooting. Dishing out six dimes, the guard hit 100 percent of her three-point shots in the third quarter. Up 21 points with seconds remaining, Bree Hall splashed a three to end the quarter. This shows beyond the talent and rim protection of Cardoso, there's a multitude of players that can step up at any given time. And the fact that Staley refuses to let off the gas shows how dangerous this team is.
South Carolina's bench produced 30 points
Although NC State outscored South Carolina 22-17 in the final quarter, Dawn Staley received 30 points from the bench alone. While freshman Milaysia Fulwiley struggled on the offensive end, she was a menace on the defensive side with four steals. I do believe she is a rising star and could become an X-factor in the championship game. Tessa Johnson, Fulwiley, Watkins, and Sania Feagin--they are such important members of this team.
Overall, the Gamecocks showed everyone their true selves. A physically dominant team on both sides of the ball that continues to hammer teams. The most complete team in the NCAA tournament, it's time we hand coach Staley her flowers. National champions in 2022 and 2017, this is Staley's sixth finals appearance since her first season as head coach (2008). One of the best coaches to ever grace the game, Staley is revolutionizing women's basketball.
We can't forget when Caitlin Clark waved off Raven Johnson in last year's Final Four victory over South Carolina. While Iowa destroyed their perfect season, Staley, the Naismith Coach of the Year, will look to build on the dynasty she's created in South Carolina.
Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA-related?articles.?Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration
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]]>In an exhilarating Final Four matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and UConn Huskies, Iowa will play South Carolina in the NCAA Championship game on Sunday.
The Iowa Hawkeyes are headed to their second straight NCAA Women's Final.
Friday evening was an unforgettable matchup between the no. 1 Iowa Hawkeyes and no. 3 UConn Huskies. While headlines swirled around stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, it was the supporting casts that made the matchup so impressive. A blood bath until the end, Iowa defeated UConn 71-69 to advance to the NCAA Championship game vs. South Carolina.
Unfortunately, the matchup didn't come without controversy. Down by one point with less than 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, UConn center Aliyah Edwards was nabbed for the offensive screen against Gabbie Marshall. Foul or not, Marshall has excelled in drawing charges her entire career.
While it's generated buzz around social media, it was a call that secured the victory for Iowa. While Bueckers downplayed the call, the Huskies were cut short of a potential game tying bucket to win the game. No matter if the call was right or not, it was heart breaking for the Huskies.
pic.twitter.com/qvMbjaqmo3 https://t.co/CzNgZb69Ys
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) April 6, 2024
Visibly upset in the post-game conference, Geno Auriemma gave his thoughts on that final possession call.
There’s probably an illegal screen call that you could make on every single possession,” said Auriemma. “I just know there were three or four of them called on us. And I don’t think there were any called on them. So, I guess we just gotta get better at not setting illegal screens." (CBS Sports).
While there was scrutiny towards the referees for the end of gameplay, we can't let that take away from the brilliance between these two teams. A revenge game for Iowa, they were previously bumped from the Sweet 16 during Clark's freshman season by UConn. This time, Iowa coach Lisa Bluder and the Hawkeyes simply had too much chemistry and depth to slide by the Huskies.
UConn vs. Iowa made history
One for the history books, the highly anticipated Final Four matchup generated 14.2 million viewers on ESPN. According to the network, the viewership peaked at 17 million spectators, making it the most-watched Women's college basketball game in history. Per ESPN, it was the most-viewed college event to air on ESPN+, and ESPN's second-best non-football telecast ever.
Those incredible stats not only emphasize the importance of this match-up but also the growth and evolution of women's basketball. No matter what the outcome, this will go down as one of the most impactful matchups the game has ever seen.
All eyes have surrounded Caitlin Clark and her quest to pass Pete Maravich for the all-time NCAA scoring record. The nation-leading scorer passed Maravich for the record with 49 points against Michigan, making her the most prolific scorer of all time. Notorious for her lengthy three-point attempts, she struggled against the Huskies early on.
UConn entered the matchup as three-point underdogs, in large part due to injuries. With a six-player rotation, head coach Geno Auriemma knew the high possibility of foul troubles.
UConn put the clamps on Clark, yet her team shined
Up by a game-high 12 points, the Huskies defense was stifling. Forcing the Hawkeyes to turn the ball over 14 times, it was their defensive poise that kept the score close for most of the game. Clark was smothered by UConn guard Nika Muhl, limited to six points and zero three-pointers in the first half. Quick on their feet, Auriemma's defensive scheme was nothing short of incredible while guarding Clark. Heavily utilizing their double-team system, Clark was forced to pass up the ball on several occasions.
— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) April 6, 2024
The Huskies are putting the CLAMPS on Caitlin Clark
UConn Leads 13-7 pic.twitter.com/IbxJhuiYCq
After the game, Clark commented on UConn's defense, especially Nika Muhl, who held the Hawkeyes to 8-25 three-point shooting.
"UConn is a really good defensive team, one of the best defensive teams we’ve seen all year, said Clark. I think Nika did a tremendous job guarding me." (March Madness PR)
For the Huskies, freshman guard KK Arnold was largely responsible for their lead, as she finished with 14 points, on 6-10 field goal shooting. While Arnold compiled 5 steals, she entered foul trouble early on. Although the Wisconsin native never fouled out, her time off the court deeply impacted the Huskies.
UConn had limited depth and fell into foul trouble
Center Aliyah Edwards had no choice but to let some Iowa buckets slide due to foul trouble. However, she was a force for the Huskies on the defensive end, adding five steals and one block. Able to take advantage of the mismatches below, she finished with 17 points, and eight rebounds, on 8-15 shooting.
As for UConn star Paige Bueckers, she was bottled up by Iowa's box-and-1 defense, who has been in play all season. Over the matchup, Bueckers finished with just 17 points, on 7-17 field goal shooting. Just 3-8 from three-point range, the guard had trouble finding her rhythm on the offensive end. While it wasn't her best performance, the Hawkeyes forced Bueckers to pass up the rock. In this case, we saw UConn's impact of injuries and lack of experience come back to haunt them.
Ashlynn Shade, Ice Brady, and KK Arnold have been extremely influential as freshmen on this Huskies team. While Brady banked two massive shots towards the end of the game, Shade struggled from the three, hitting just 1-5 from deep. UConn was never supposed to be in this position, and having such success put enormous pressure on the freshman.
Although the Huskies were ultimately defeated, the future is very bright for these young players. How many coaches can say they led their team to the final four with three of their six players listed as freshman?
W.#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/pEAxsd2Nz9
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) April 6, 2024
Iowa is headed to the NCAA Women's Final Championship for the second straight year
For Clark, she found herself and Iowa down by 32-26 at the half. And in true Caitlin Clark fashion, she stepped up when it mattered most. While the overall performance was uncharacteristic of her overall play, Clark finished with 21 points on 7-18 shooting. Adding in nine rebounds and seven assists, Clark was just 3-11 from deep.
The momentum began to shift with 3:49 remaining in the third quarter for Iowa. Down 44-42, Clark completed a four-point play after fouled at the three-point line by Shade. Tied 51-51, Clark sunk seven of her 21 points in the final quarter.
A close game until the final seconds, it was Nika Muhl who put up a bucket after compiling her third steal of that game. While the Huskies closed the gap to just one point, it was Sydney Affolter who came up with the colossal offensive board after a Clark miss at the charity stripe.
Iowa's Hannah Stuelke was the real mvp
Sure, Clark and Bueckers had significant effects on the game. However, for Iowa, it was the story of sophomore center Hannah Stuelke. Able to dominate in the paint, she finished with a team-high 23 points on 9-12 shooting. Arguably the best player on the court, her 11 third-quarter points brought the Hawkeyes back to life. Similar to a quarterback and their tight end, Clark and Stuelke have undeniable chemistry.
For Stuelke, it was all about aggressiveness and confidence. While she finished with one of the prime games of her career, it's the entire team that showed out.
"I think the confidence is everything," said Stuelke. "Especially hearing Caitlin Clark talk about me like that, it gives me a confidence boost. I think anyone would say that. But they just fed me the ball very well. The ball was going in for me tonight." (March Madness PR)
Overall, it was an impressive showing for two teams who had dreams of making the final stage. An overall effort by every single player on Iowa's roster, they will face South Carolina in the NCAA Women's National Championship game. While the Gamecocks remain undefeated, it was Clark and the Hawkeyes that ended their perfect run last season in the 2023 Final Four.
With tip-off slated for 3:00 p.m. ET Sunday, it will be a dogfight between South Carolina and Iowa for the National Championship. For Caitlin Clark and Kamilla Cardoso, they will see one more game in their collegiate uniforms.
Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA-related articles. Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration
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]]>UConn star Paige Bueckers is thriving more than ever, this time leading the Huskies to the NCAA Women's Sweet 16.
"We have the best player in America."
Those were confident words from Geno Auriemma on Monday night. And whom might he be referring to? Paige Bueckers, no. 5 for the Connecticut Huskies.
When it comes to sports, the stories behind the athletes on the court are often moving and emotional. For Paige Bueckers, she's been nothing short of inspiring. While women's basketball is filled to the brim with incredible storylines, we simply cannot forget UConn's brightest star and her journey back to the hardwood.
Talk about Paige Bueckers resilience and passion for basketball. This is her comeback narrative, driven by her faith and determination to return to the game. It's oftentimes not about the setback, but about the comeback.
Paige "Buckets" is back, and so are the UConn Huskies.
Bueckers, now technically in her third season with the Connecticut Huskies, is undoubtedly one of the most prevalent players in the nation. While she's an elite scorer and tenacious defender, the Minnesota native's been plagued by unlucky injuries. The former McDonald's All-American suffered a tibial plateau fracture in late December 2021 in which surgery was performed. Along with the fracture, Bueckers suffered a meniscus tear.
While many expected No. 5 to miss the bulk of the season, she made a miraculous, yet limited comeback in Feb. of 2022. Despite being restricted on the court, Bueckers fueled the Huskies through the 2022 NCAA Tournament. A team that once fell out of the AP top ten was destined to face the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2022 NCAA Championship game.
Although South Carolina barreled through UConn 64-49 for the championship title, it was the story of no. 5 and her persistence to return to the court. While the outcome didn't sway in the Huskies favor, Bueckers was the only player on the UConn roster to put up points in double figures.
How many players can claim they led their team to the championship game despite not being fully healthy? This is what sets Bueckers apart and makes her exceptional among the pack.
Paige Bueckers missed the entire 2022-2023 season
Unfortunately, that was the last time Bueckers would hit the floor for quite some time. Heading into her junior season, the guard suffered a torn ACL in the off-season. Having missed all of the 2022-2023 season, the Minnesota native spent the majority of the season cheering on her teammates from the sidelines.
Paige Bueckers' IG post about her torn ACL:
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) August 3, 2022
"It's gonna be one hell of a comeback...I’ve worked too hard for the little kid in these pictures to keep going for the dreams I've had since I first picked up the ball, so why would I stop now?" pic.twitter.com/f7lsyYQCiN
Despite missing Bueckers from the lineup, the Huskies managed to make the 2023 NCAA Tournament. However, for no. 5 it was a punch to the gut, especially since she wasn't available to play. After conceding to Ohio State 73-61 in the Sweet 16, the Huskies were once again eliminated from the tournament.
But for Bueckers, she was exceptionally emotional after their 77-58 victory over Baylor in the second round. Although UConn pulled off the victory, it pained her to watch from the sidelines. Bueckers wanted more than anything to contribute on the floor with her teammates. Not only does she love the game of basketball, but she bleeds blue. Her loyalty to UConn and coach Auriemma is unwavering.
"Last year against Baylor in the second round at home, I just remember going back in my car and just being very emotional," Bueckers told ESPN. "Not being able to play in this atmosphere, in this environment, and this high stakes game. I prayed about it."
While the journey back to the court hasn't been an easy task, Bueckers heavily leaned on her faith during hard times. Over a year of rehabbing her injury, the guard made her season debut against Dayton in late 2023.
Not only did no. 5 overcome such a tragic injury, but she elevated her game in a way that's turned heads across the basketball world. Despite the Huskies facing multiple injuries, including Azzi Fudd, it was Bueckers' moment to stand out.
And surely, she did so. Bueckers, who was recently named AP All-American, averaged a career-high 21 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks. In 36 total games, the UConn star shot an efficient 54 percent from the floor, and 41.8 percent from deep. The UConn star was recently named Naismith Player of the Year finalist.
It's been nearly two years since Bueckers appeared in a March Madness game
And 720 days later, Bueckers would take part in her first March Madness game since the South Carolina matchup. This comes after Bueckers sensation performance that led UConn to their fourth straight Big East Championship. In the blowout over Georgetown, the guard put up 27 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and five blocks.
In the Huskies first-round matchup against Jackson State, the guard finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block. From there, UConn faced off against Syracuse in the round of 32. In front of an electric crowd at Gampel Pavilion, Bueckers was surely a bucket. Stepping up when it mattered the most, she matched a season-high 32 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and one block.
Paige Buckets last 2 games
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) March 26, 2024
32 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST, 4 STL (56% FG)
28 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST, 3 STL (58% FG)pic.twitter.com/sXDxzpENsV
While Syracuse cut the deficit to two points, Bueckers knew the moment was all hers. With 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, without hesitation, no. 5 sunk a contested mid-range jumper. At this moment, her shot put the Huskies in the lead, 67-63. From there, Bueckers was seen firing up the crowd at Gampel.
Not only did she lead the Huskies to their 30th straight Sweet 16, but it was also a sure sign of a dominant comeback. Paige Bueckers, a five-star recruit in 2020 was officially back. It was visible in her eyes, her body language, and in her tone. It's incredible moving to see the return of a player who was heavily plagued by injuries.
Bueckers has been lights out in this year's tournament
Following her first two matchups of the tournament, Buecker's energy is unmatched. With 60 points in the first two games, Bueckers is now the first player in nearly 25 years to put up a cumulative 60 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. While she announced her return to UConn next season, she's laid everything out on the court for the Huskies. Amid questions if she could return to her freshman form, she never lost sight of her dreams and goals. For sure, optimism has gone a long way for Paige Bueckers, and all of the hard work that's been poured into her craft.
Bueckers had an inspirational journey back, and one that speaks to many. When you come to Storrs, Connecticut, you come to play for coach Auriemma, and you come to win. In the small town of Tolland County, Connecticut, Bueckers and the Connecticut Huskies will aim for their first championship of the 2016 season and nothing more.
Bueckers and company will face the Kara Lawson and the Duke Blue Devils in the Sweet 16. Scheduled for Mar. 30, tip-off will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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]]>The post JuJu Watkins breaks USC scoring record, Trojans advance to Sweet 16 appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>USC Trojans freshman JuJu Watkins passes legend Cheryl Miller for the single-season scoring record with 833 points.
USC freshman phenomenon JuJu Watkins has shined in her first year in the Trojans, collecting all sorts of personal accolades. Having a profound effect on the program, Watkins and the Trojans are headed to their first Sweet 16 since the 1993-1994 season.
The irony in all this? In 1994, WNBA stars Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson were key members of the team, while USC standout Cheryl Miller briefly served as head coach.
And now, Watkins passed Miller for the USC Trojan's all-time single scoring record in her first season. While there's a magnitude of talent, especially among freshmen in NCAA Women's basketball, Watkins has set the stage to become the next generational star. Right front and center, Cheryl Miller has been her no. 1 supporter and mentor through it all.
JUJU WATKINS
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) February 26, 2024
Broke the USC freshman record for most points scored in a season!
Last 8 Games
30 PTS, 3 BLK, 3 STL
42 PTS, 4 STL
18 PTS, 11 REB
33 PTS, 8 AST, 4 STL
32 PTS, 7 AST, 4 BLK
31 PTS, 7 REB
29 PTS, 4 STL
51 PTS, 11 REB
VIDEO: @btweenxthelinespic.twitter.com/Q6uYl5Bth5
And you love to see former trailblazers who paved the way by helping young stars in the game today. Watkins is full of toughness, and grit, and has what it takes to be great. Although she's towards the beginning of her journey, she's a rising star in the game. While several legendary athletes tend to disappear after their careers, it's incredible to see the involvement and faith Miller has in the USC program and Watkins.
Calling Miller the "goat," Watkins reflected on the Icon after their first-round victory.
"She trusts in my mentality," Watkins told the media via March Madness PR. "I think we're similar in some ways, as far as the competitiveness to want to win. She's always encouraged that, and encouraged me never to lose that." (March Madness PR)
Watkins broke several USC records in her freshman campaign
What's not to love about Watkins? Not only did she help lead her team past Stanford for the Pac-12 Championship, but no. 12 continues to break every USC record. She had an unforgettable 51-point performance against Stanford, which sent shockwaves across the basketball world. In that matchup, Watkins became the first Trojan to ever score 51 points in a game.
Related article: Rising Star: Freshman JuJu Watkins stuns with 51-point performance
While she had a season-low nine points in the conference championship, her impact of just appearing on the court is profound. It's her innate ability to fill the box score in other ways, and her maturity to handle pressure at such a young age.
Averaging 26.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in her first year, the LA native is bringing excitement back to Los Angeles. Under coach Lindsay Gottlieb, USC punched their way to a second consecutive NCAA appearance, breaking an eight-year drought for the program. Although the Trojans had brief first and second-round exits under coach Cynthia Cooper and Mark Trakh, Watkins and Gottlieb are brewing something special. There's something to be said about "JuJu and the nerds." Gottlieb has built a a force of talent around Watkins, which includes Harvard transfer McKenzie Forbes.
With USC making headlines, Watkins was named AP All-American first team. She was honored next to Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Paige Bueckers (UConn), Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), and Cameron Brink (Stanford). That in itself speaks volumes.
She passes Cheryl Miller for the all-time USC single-season scoring record
833 total points is nothing to sniff at. While the headlines have mainly surrounded other athletes in women's basketball, it's Watkins and the upcoming freshman that will define the evolution and growth of women's hoops in the future. FurthWatkins finished her sensational freshman campaign with the third most points among freshmen in NCAA history. She trailed only Kelsey Mitchell from Ohio State, who scored 873 points, and Tina Hutchinson from San Diego State, who is the all-time leader.
Entering the NCAA tournament as the no. 1 seed for the first time since 1986, the Trojans faced the no. 16-seed Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the Regional 3 in Portland. Limiting AMCC to just four points in the first quarter, it was Watkins that led the way with 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Although she was cold beyond the arc, she was automatic from the midrange. Her ability to pass up the rock on fast breaks and drive to the basketball is a staple of her game. With a uniqueness to her offensive game, Watkins is hard to be stopped anywhere on the court. The second leading scoring in the nation, she's a walking bucket, and it extends well beyond the arc.
Watkins and USC are headed to the Sweet 16
While Watkins has shown several MVP-esque performances this season, JuJu Watkins continues to show why she makes a two-way impact on the game. Many will argue the talent gap was enormous between the two teams. However, four blocks and two steals is a statement, and the Trojans had 14 combined steals and blocks as a team.
JuJu Watkins poses with Bianka and Capri Bryant after breaking USC's single season scoring record
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) March 24, 2024VanessaBryant/IG https://t.co/xJbSGcPa8G pic.twitter.com/yd80SGh840
On Monday night, it was Watkins's double-double performance that lifted USC over Kansas 73-55 in the round of 32. This time around, she showcased her full talents on the court. Her ability to maneuver around screens from the three-point line, and drive through traffic was stellar. A true versatile three-way scorer, Watkins was blowing by the defenses in the paint. Her dominance was so effective on the offensive end, Kansas was forced to switch to a zone defense. She finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
For Watkins and her teammates, it's all about confidence moving forward in the NCAA Tournament.
JuJu Watkins key to victory: having confidence
"It's important to have confidence," said Watkins. "I have a lot of confidence in this team. It's a lot on the line. But at the end of the day, I trust my teammates and I are going to get the job done." I didn't know what to expect. Still don't really know what to expect. I'm just here for the ride, knowing what I need to do every game. I'm just going to give all I can, and hopefully, that ends with the result that we want." ( March Madness PR)
Watkins can't be stopped, and most teams have run into this issue on the defensive front. A force to be reckoned with, the USC Trojans are a no.1. seed for a reason. Joining Iowa, South Carolina, and Texas as the top seeds in the nation, Watkins has was it takes to power her team to a deep run in the tournament. With 16 remaining teams, the Trojans will face off against no.1 Baylors on Saturday, Mar. 30.
If they survive against the Bears, USC has a shot of facing either Connecticut or Duke in the elite eight. With South Carolina showing they are once again the team to beat, how far of a run can USC make? Either way, Watkins is poised and ready for the moment.
Stay tuned for more NCAAW and March Madness related articles.?Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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]]>The post GAME OF THE DAY: UConn vs. San Diego State: Betting Odds: NCAA Tournament Championship appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Under/Over
Money Line:
UConn: -350, Massive favourites to win according to college basketball betting sites
San Diego State: +290
Over/Under: 132.5
Over: -110
Under: -110
Spread:
UConn: -7.5 (-110)
San Diego State: +7.5 (-110)
Tournament Recap
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
Tournament betting records: UConn is 5-0 Money Line, 5-0 against the spread (ATS), and hit the UNDER 3 of their 5 NCAA Tournament games.
The Connecticut Huskies are playing their best basketball this NCAA Tournament, outscoring Miami, Gonzaga, Arkansas, Saint Mary’s, and Iona by double-digits in points. UConn is averaging 79.8 points per game and allowing an average of 59.2 opponent points per game. Connecticut has been brilliant on the defensive end, allowing a high of 65 points scored against Arkansas. It’s no secret the game of basketball has evolved over the past 10 years, and the three-point shot is more relevant than ever. Connecticut has held all five opponents in the NCAA Tournament to 29.74 percent three-point shooting. In addition, the Huskies held all five of their opponents to 34.5 percent field goal shooting.
Forward Adama Sonogo keeps proving why he is the glue to this basketball team. Sonogo has 7 blocks, 49 total rebounds, and is averaging 20 points per game in the tournament. Head Coach Dan Hurley is a defensive minded?coach and?is not afraid to teach his players how much that means on the biggest stage. Guard Andre Jackson Jr. has 6 steals in the past 5 games, in addition to guards Tristen Newton, Joey Calcaterra, and Forward Alex Karaban. In this year’s March Madness Tournament, UConn is averaging 50 percent from the field, and nearly 41 percent from the three-point.
Final Four
UConn is playing an elite level of defense. However, they are an extremely efficient team on the offensive end. In the Final Four game against Miami, The Huskies dominated in the first quarter, beating the Hurricanes 72-59. Connecticut played extremely well in the first half, outscoring Miami 37-24. In addition, The Huskies shot nearly 50 percent from the field, and 34.6 percent from downtown.? Although they had a game high 15 turnovers, Connecticut outrebounded the Hurricanes 41-32, and had 5 blocks.
Not only did Adama Sanogo dominate inside the paint, but the Hurricanes let him shoot two open three-point shots. Although Jordan Hawkins was coming off an illness, he added 13 points on 3-7 three-point shooting. Donovan Clingan and Alex Karaban added some key rebounds, while guards Andre Jackson Jr., and Tristen Newton added shooting, defense, and assists. Even though Connecticut won this game, they did not play as well in the second half. They had a high number of turnovers, and only shot 50 % from the free-throw line.
NCAA Tournament wins:
UConn vs. Miami: 72-59 (Final Four).
UConn vs. Gonzaga: 82-54 (Elite 8).
UConn vs. Arkansas: 88-65 (Sweet 16).
UConn vs. Saint Mary’s: 70-55 (Round of 32).
UConn vs. Iona: 87-64 (Round of 64).
San Diego State Aztecs
Tournament betting records: San Diego State is 5-0 Money Line, 4-1 against the spread (ATS), and hit the UNDER 4 of their 5 NCAA Tournament games.
?San Diego State is not technically classified as a “Cinderella Team,” given they are a 5th seed this year. However, they have proven themselves, knocking off FAU with a buzzer beater to advance to the Championship game. If they win tonight over Connecticut, the Aztecs will be the first number 5 seed to ever win the National Title. It’s important to note, the Aztecs last two wins against FAU and Creighton were decided by 1 point or less. Like the Huskies, San Diego State has been brilliant on the defensive end. They hold opponents to an average of 60 points-per game.? It’s even more impressive the Aztecs are holding opponents to 21.6 percent free-throw shooting this tournament as well.
Besides their FAU matchup, San Diego State held Creighton, Alabama, Furman, and Charleston all under 65 points. Although they beat the number 1 seed Alabama, their only double-digit win came against Furman. San Diego state was not the most efficient team on the offense end this season. Furthermore, Matt Bradley is their only player who averaged double digits in points. Although Bradley struggled over the tournament, he is the key piece to this team if they want to win. Over their 5 NCAA Tournament games, San Diego State is averaging, 67.6 points per game. In this year’s March Madness Tournament, San Diego State is averaging 42.5 percent from the field, and nearly 33 percent from the three-point.
Final Four
Remember the name Lamont Butler. In one of the most exciting games in NCAA history, Butler hit the game winning mid-range shot to advance to the NCAA Championship Final game. Like UConn, San Diego State is a physical team that is playing at an elite defensive level. In their Final Four matchup, they beat FAU 72-71. This game was a higher scoring game than others, however, they rebounded FAU, and shot nearly 50 percent from the three-point line.? Although they were down 40-33, they outscored 39-31 in the second half. Matt Bradley rebounded with 21 points, on 5-12 shooting, and 4-8 from the three. In addition, The Aztecs received help off the bench with 28 points.
None of the Aztecs starters touched double digits in points, however, Keshad Johnson, Darrion Trammell, and Lamont Butler all had defensive steals. Also, it’s important to note, although the Aztecs outrebounded FAU, not one player had double-digits in rebounds. 22 Rebounds were equally grabbed by the Aztecs starting five. If San Diego State wants to win, they must outrebound UConn, rely heavily on Matt Bradley, and capitalize off Connecticut turnovers. It will be extremely difficult to guard this UConn team, given players can shoot from both the strong and weak sides.
NCAA Tournament wins:
San Diego State vs. FAU: 72-71 (Final Four).
San Diego State vs. Creighton: 57-56 (Elite 8).
San Diego State vs. Alabama: 71-64 (Sweet 16).
San Diego State vs. Furman: 75-52 (Round of 32).
San Diego State vs. Charleston: 63-57 (Round of 64).
Injury Report
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
None
San Diego State Aztecs
None
Key Players
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
Adama Sanogo
Adama Sonogo has been lights out for the Huskies this season, and in the NCAA Tournament. Sonogo is a powerful force, who can score and grab rebounds inside. He stands at 6 foot 9 and weighs 245 pounds. In the Huskies win against Miami, Sonogo surprised by hitting two three-points in less than a minute. In this year's NCAA Tournament, he’s averaging 20.2 points-per game, 1.4 blocks, and 9.8 rebounds per game.
Jordan Hawkins
There was some concern when Hawkins was listed on the injury report last game due to a non-covid illness. Jordan suited up for the Final Four game and added 13 points on 3-7 three-point?shooting. Hawkins is averaging 16.4 points per game, and 3 rebounds this tournament. He is shooting a stellar 51.8 percent from the three-point, and 43.5 percent from the field. Look for him to be a key part of this Huskies offense tonight.
San Diego State Aztecs
Matt Bradley
Matt Bradley has been the “guy” for the San Diego State Aztecs all season long. He was the only Aztec to average double digits in points with 12.7. In addition, Bradley averaged 36.5 percent from the three, and 40 percent from the field. It’s important to know Bradley struggled this tournament. He scored a combined 8 points between the Creighton and Alabama game.? In those two games, he played no more than 20 minutes, and averaged 17.4 percent from the field. Luckily for the Aztecs, Bradley stepped up in their Final Four win against FAU. He added 21 points and shot 50 percent from the three-point line. If Bradley is struggling, Senior Guard Darrion Trammell could step up big time. He added 21 points against Alabama, and three steals in the NCAA tournament.
Key Stats
? UConn averages 78.5 points per game during the regular season.
? San Diego State averages 72.1 points per game during the regular season.
? UConn ranks 34th in points allowed with 64.3 opponents points per game.
? San Diego State ranks 25th in points allowed with 63.1 opponents points per game.
? UConn ranks 10th in rebounds per game with 39.3.
? San Diego State ranks 87th in rebounds per game with 36.3.
? UConn ranks 2nd in point differential at +14.3
? San Diego State ranks 35th in point differential at +8.3
? UConn ranks 20th in blocked shots with 4.8 per game.
? San Diego State ranks 78th in blocked shots with 3.9 per game.
? UConn averages 36.4 % from the 3-point, while Arkansas averages 35.1 % beyond the arc.
LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION
SPREAD: UConn -7.5
-UConn covered the spread in 9 of their last 10 games.
-San Diego State covered the spread in 7 their last 10 games.
-UConn has a 26-11-1 record ATS this season.
-UConn has a 9-1-0 record ATS their last 10 games.
-San Diego State has a 19-16-2 record ATS this season.
-San Diego State has 7-3 record ATS their last 10 games.
UConn is dominant team that wins by a lot of points.? Although the Aztecs are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games, give me UConn to cover.
MONEY LINE: UConn ML
-UConn won the Money Line 9 out of their last 10 games
-San Diego State won the Money Line 9 of their last 10 games.
Although San Diego State played well all tournament long, I think UConn has the better coaching and talent.? They have won every game by double-digits and are a force on both sides of the ball. Give me UConn Moneyline.?
OVER/UNDER: Under
-UConn Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +0.14
-San Diego State Avg +/- vs O/U Line:
-UConn Overall O/U Record: 20-18-0
-San Diego State O/U Record: 15-22-0
-UConn hit the UNDER in 7 of their last 10 games.
-San Diego State hit the UNDER in 9 of their last 10 games.
Both UConn and San Diego State have incredible defenses. It's the most important game on the biggest stage. I expect a solid defensive effort from both sides. Give me the under.?
For More Betting Info & Game Predictions, Follow us at @BallislifeBets
Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: @GGirlSports
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]]>The post 2023 Final Four Betting Odds: NCAA Tournament Money Line, Spreads, and Championship Odds. appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Betting Odds Final Four Teams
UConn Huskies: -125 (Clear favorites among online betting sites)
Miami Hurricanes: +450
San Diego State Aztecs: +400
Florida Atlantic Owls: +650
2023 Futures: Tournament Opening Odds.
UConn Huskies: +2500
Miami Hurricanes: +7500
San Diego State Aztecs: +10000
Florida Atlantic Owls: +13000
Team Recaps
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
The Connecticut Huskies have not been to a final four since 2014, in which they won the NCAA National Championship against Kentucky. Connecticut has 36 tournament appearances, 6 Final Fours, and 4 Championships. They Started the tournament at +2500 and?are coming off an impressive blow-out win against The Gonzaga Bulldogs, 82-54. UConn has covered the spread, and the money line, in all four games of the NCAA Tournament. UConn respectively held Saint Mary’s and Gonzaga to under 56 points each and hit the under those games.
Strengths: The UConn Huskies rank 7th in the nation in rebounds per game, with 29.9 per game. Led by Forward Adama Sanogo, Connecticut is an excellent defensive team. The Huskies held Gonzaga to 54 points, a team that ranked 1st in points scored. In addition, they held Saint Mary’s to 55 points, and they are averaging 59.3 opponent’s points-per game in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Sanogo is a glass cleaner, who has been an unstoppable force on both ends of the ball. This team has many talents and ranks 7th in the nation with an offensive rating of 116.7. UConn is a inside team that dominates in the second half.
Weaknesses: The UConn Huskies turn the ball over a lot, including 48 times in the NCAA Tournament. Dan Hurley and the Huskies need to find a way to limit turnovers, and not allow opponents to get to the line as frequently as they do. UConn ranks 317th in the league, allowing teams to get to the line on average 15 points per game.
Miami Hurricanes
This is the Miami Hurricanes first ever trip to the NCAA Tournament Final Four. They entered the NCAA Tournament +7500, are coming off an 88-81 win over Texas. Led by Head Coach Jim Larranaga, the Hurricanes have covered the spread, and the money line, in all four games of the NCAA Tournament. In addition, three of their last four games have hit the Over. The Hurricanes are averaging 81.3 points-per game and are extremely efficient on the offensive end.
Strengths: The Miami Hurricanes rank 21st in the nation in points-per game, with 79.6. This is a Hurricanes team that can score efficiently from anywhere on the court. Miami ranks 42nd in three-point percentage at 36.9. Led by Guards Isaiah Wong, Jordan Miller, Nijel Pack, and Norchad Omier, the Hurricanes are top 14th in field goal percentage at 48.4. Miami is shooting an efficient 78 percent from the line, which ranks top 12 in the Nation. This is a team that can cook up beyond the three, can attack inside, and scores anywhere. It will be interesting to see how the Hurricanes matchup against the Huskies defense. On another note, this team knocked off a #1 seed Houston, and #2 seed Texas.
Weaknesses: Although Miami is an offensive powerhouse, they lack defense compared to teams like UConn and San Diego State. They have allowed an average of 70.3 points per game per opponents in the NCAA Tournament. In fact, Miami ranks 236th in the Nation in points allowed at 71.9. It’s important to say, numbers can be deceiving. The Hurricanes played hard against Drake, holding the Bulldogs to 29.2 percent shooting from the three-point. Furthermore, Miami held Indiana to 69 points scored, and 32 percent from the three, and 41.3 percent from the field.
San Diego State Aztecs
This is the San Diego State Aztecs first ever trip to the NCAA Tournament Final Four. However, San Diego State has been kicked out of the first round of the last two NCAA Tournaments. They entered the NCAA Tournament +10000, and they are coming off an incredible win against Creighton, 57-56. In addition, the Aztecs have covered the spread, and the money line, in all four games of the NCAA Tournament.
Strengths: San Diego is a 5th seed that may have been overlooked this tournament. The Aztecs rank 25th in the nation, allowing an average of 62.9 points per game. They are a tough team physically, and are allowing an average of 57.3 opponents points per game in this years March Madness Tournament. In addition, they held Creighton, a team who’s fantastic offensively, to 63 points per game, and Alabama to 64 points per game. It’s important to note this Aztecs team knocked off the #1 seed Alabama, who was considered one of the favorites to win this year’s NCAA Tournament. San Diego State has hit the under in their last 10 games.
Weaknesses: Although the Aztecs are a physical team that plays incredible defense, they rank 183rd in points-per game at 71.5, and rank 153rd in three-point shooting at 34.7 percent. Guard Matt Bradley is the only player to average double digits in points, and they only shoot 44.1 percent from the field. They rank 86th in the Nation in rebounds and will rely heavily on their defense.
Florida Atlantic Owls
This is the Florida Atlantic Owls first ever trip to the NCAA Tournament Final Four. Their only NCAA Tournament appearance came in the 2001-2002 season, where they got kicked out in the first round. They entered the tournament with March Madness betting lines of +13000, and they are coming off an exhilarating win against Kansas State, 79-76. In addition, the Owls have covered the spread in three of their four Tournament games, and the money line in all four. It’s important to note FAU knocked off one of the top defensive teams, Tennessee, 62-55 in the Sweet 16.
Strengths: Don’t let that 9th seed fool you. FAU has shown every reason to be in the Final Four. This team can hoop, especially from, an offensive standpoint. The Owls rank 37th in the nation in points-per game at 78. In addition, they are an efficient passing team, especially with cuts. They might not be the #1 team beyond the arc, however, they hit their three-point shots when it counts. Speaking of defense, FAU ranks 45th in the nation in opponents points per game at 65.1. In addition, they are ranked 18th in opponent field goal percentage at 40.2 percent.
Weaknesses: FAU has shown to be a competitive team, with the right amount of balance on both ends of the ball. They are only team that hasn’t beaten a #1 or #2 seed, however, they doesn’t mean we should count them out. Although they have point-differential of +12.8, their biggest point differential came against Fairleigh Dickinson at 8 points. Both wins against Memphis, and Kansas State were decided by less than 5 points.
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Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: @GGirlSports
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]]>The post GAME OF THE DAY: Arkansas vs. UConn: Betting Odds: NCAA Tournament Round of 16. appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Under/Over
Money Line
UConn: -195
Arkansas: +165
Over/Under: 140
Over: -110
Under: -110
Spread:
UConn: -4 (-110)
Arkansas: +4 (-110)
Tournament Recap
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
Round of 64: UConn vs. Iona: UConn was favored -9, and the Over/Under was 140.5. UConn won the Money Line, Covered the spread, and the OVER hit.
The UConn Huskies dominated the Iona Gaels and came out with the win 87-63. Iona was up by 2 points leading into the half and had bettors worried. UConn had a monstrous second half, outscoring Iona 50-24. Led by Forward Adama Sanogo, the Huskies shot 44 percent from the three-point, and 48.5 percent from the field. In addition, UConn had an 85.7 field goal percentage. UConn outrebounded Iona 45-29 and led in assists. Sanogo had a stellar second half, scoring 28 points in 25 minutes, on 13-17 shooting. Sophomore Guard Jordan Hawkins added 13 points, 4 rebounds, and shot only 27.3 percent from the field. Although UConn did not get adequate bench help, Guard Andre Jackson added in 10 points and a 40 percent three-point shot. UConn had all the momentum in the second half and continued the rest of the game.
Round of 32: UConn vs. Saint Mary's
The last time the UConn Huskies advanced to the Round of 32 was the 2013-2014, when they won the National Championship. The UConn Huskies beat the Saint Mary’s Gaels 70-55 to advance to the Sweet 16. Again, UConn showed up to play in the second half. Up by one point at the half, UConn pulled away, and outscored Saint Mary’s 39-25 in the second. Keep in mind, the Gaels were an efficient defensive team. However, this did not stop the Huskies from scoring. UConn shot 45.5 percent from the three-point, and 54 percent from the field. In addition, UConn hit 85.7 percent of their free-throws, compared to Saint Mary’s 68.4 percent. Thanks to Adama Sonogo, the Huskies outrebounded the Gaels 31-22, especially defensive boards. UConn had a game high 14 turnovers, however, UConn had 5 blocks and provided great defense. Gaels star Lane Johnson was held to 9 points on 3-15 shooting. Sonogo led the way for the Huskies, with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and a 1 block. Guards, Jordan Hawkins and Tristen Newton added points in double-digits. The only downside? UConn had only 12 points off the bench.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Round of 64: Arkansas vs. Illinois: Arkansas was favored -2, and the Over/Under was 142. The Razorbacks won the Money Line, and the UNDER hit.
The Arkansas Razorbacks impressed against Illinois, beating them 73-63. Up 36-26 by the half, both teams scored 37 points in the second half. Arkansas shot 38.1 percent from the field; however, they shot a low 27.3 percent from the three-point. They made 75.9 percent of their free-throws, compared to Illinois 65.4 percent. In addition, Arkansas outrebounded Illinois 43-34, especially on the offensive end. They had a team high 12 steals, and only 11 turnovers. Junior guard Ricky Council IV led the way with 18 points, on 11-12 points from the free-throw line. He also added one steal and a block. Junior Guard Davonte Davis contributed 16 points on 50 percent free throw shooting. The Razorbacks lost their lead in the second half, not breaking away until the final minutes of the game. Arkansas defense came out strong, early in the game, which made Illinois scramble offensively.
Round of 32: Arkansas vs. Kansas: Kansas was favored -4 and the Over/Under was 143.5. The Razorbacks won the Money Line, covered the spread, and the UNDER hit.
The Arkansas Razorbacks knocked off defending National Champions, Kansas Jayhawks 72-71. It’s important to note Kansas was a #1 seed this year. Not only did Arkansas outrebound Kansas 36-29, but they also shot better at the free-throw line, and had less turnovers. It’s perplexing Arkansas shot significantly worse from the three-point line (20 percent), and only 41.4 percent from the field. Kansas came out strong, leading the Razorbacks 35-27 going into the half. However, Arkansas outscored the Jayhawks 45-36 in the second half. Kansas lost their chance with 1:56 to go in the second half. They missed free-throws, missed open shots, and turned the ball over. Arkansas had key offensive rebounds and put back shots with 51 seconds to go. Eventually, it turned into a free-throw battle, which Arkansas won.
Regular Season Recap
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
Head Coach Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies started as one of the nation’s top teams, going 14-0, and 3-0 in their first 14 games. They finished 2nd in the Big East and earned the 4th seed in the NCAA Tournament. Over their win streak, the closest point differential was their win against Villanova, 74-66. During that time, the Huskies had key wins against Alabama, Iowa State, UNC Wilmington, and Villanova. It’s important to note UConn blew out Alabama 82-67 on November 25th, 2023. Over their next 10 games, UConn went on a losing skid, dropping 6 of their next 10 games. After their loss to Xavier on January 25th, 2023, UConn won 9 of their last 11 games.
UConn is extremely efficient on the defensive end. Also, they rank 39th in opponents points per game, with 64.7. They are ranked top 40 in opponent field goal percentage at 40.9 percent. In addition, they rank 30th in opponents three-point percentage, limiting teams to 30.3 percent. With Sonogo, Jackson Jr, and Clingan down below, they rank 3rd in the nation, limiting teams to 29.6 rebounds a game. Offensively, the Huskies ranked 31st in offensive scoring, led by Adama Sonogo. The Huskies are not the best three-point shooting team, ranking 73rd in the league at 36 percent.
This year’s UConn Huskies are the REAL deal. The Huskies are efficient down low, ranking 18th in rebounding with 38.9 rebounds per game. Dan Hurley is a fantastic coach, leading this team to key wins over Marquette, Creighton, and Alabama during the regular season.
UConn has a very powerful, physical defense, along with a very potent offense. Speaking of offense, UConn ranks 7th in the Country in Offensive Efficiency (115.7) (Source: Yahoo). UConn excels with Sanogo in the paint, who is one of the biggest threats in the post. UConn excels off second chance points, thanks to Sanogo. He’s one of the main reasons the Huskies are advancing to the Sweet 16 and is elite in the low post. When Sonogo needs a rest, Donovan Clingan has filled in nicely in his place. The Huskies play high tempo basketball, create turnovers, and take risks.
Arkansas Razorbacks
The Razorbacks entered this year’s NCAA Tournament as the 8th seed. They finished the season 22-13, and 8-10 in the SEC Conference. However, don’t let this record fool you. Eric Musselman has done a fantastic job coaching this team in the tournament. However, this Razorback team was extremely inconsistent in the regular season. Arkansas is in a very competitive SEC and started the season 12-2. During that stretch, the Razorbacks had key wins against San Diego State and Missouri. Their only two losses came against Creighton and LSU. In their last 19 games, the Razorbacks finished 8-11. During that stretch, they had key losses to Auburn, Alabama, Vanderbilt, Missouri, Baylor, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas A&M. Out of those 11 losses, 7 of those teams were ranked.
The Razorbacks ranked 98th in opponent points per game with 67.4. They are efficient around the perimeter, limiting opponents to 30.6 percent from the three-point. In addition, Arkansas is ranked 36th in the Nation in Defensive Rating, at 95.6. However, The Razorbacks struggled offensively during the regular season. They rank 160th in the Nation in Offensive Rating, at 105.4. Also, they only shot 31 percent from the three-point, and average 35.5 rebounds per game. It's no secret that the Razorbacks have THREE NBA prospects on their roster. Guard Nick Smith Jr. only appeared in 16 game this season, due to Knee Injuries. However, Guard Anthony Black, and Ricky Council IV have been core players for the Razorbacks this year. The Razorbacks have depth, and their bench provided 18 points over their win against Kansas.
Injury Report
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
None
Arkansas Razorbacks
None
Key Players
Connecticut Huskies (UConn)
Adama Sanogo
It’s no Secret Adama Sonogo has been lights out for UConn this season, and in the tournament. He averaged a career-high in points (17.3), assists (1.2), 3-point percentage (35.4), and field goal percentage (60.5). His 60.5 field goal percentage ranks 23rd in the nation. It’s very hard for teams to shut down Sanogo down low. He’s a glass-cleaner, who snags rebounds, and provides UConn with second chance points. He's scored 52 points in the first two rounds in the March Madness tournament, adding 21 rebounds and 2 blocks. In addition, Sanogo is averaging 72.7 percentage from the field in the first two rounds. Look for Sanogo to be a continued force inside the paint and the glass.
Jordan Hawkins
Sophomore Guard Jordan Hawkins has stepped up when the Huskies need it the most. Hawkins is a fantastic perimeter player and is an efficient shot creator. Hawkins had a huge second half in last game against Saint Mary’s. He added 12 points, and 80 percent 3-point shooting. In the Huskies first round win over Iona, Hawkins added 13 points on 42.9 3-point shooting. This season, he averaged career-highs in points per game (15.9), free-throw percentage (88.3), 3-point percentage (37.8), and field goal percentage at 29.4. Look for Hawkins to be a key factor this next game.
Arkansas
Davonte Davis
Davonte Davis, Junior guard, has been a solid defensive player for the Razorbacks this season. He’s averaged 11.1 points, 1.4 steals, and 34.6 percent three-point shooting in 33.2 minutes this season. In the NCAA Tournament, Davis added 25 points, 8 rebounds, on 60 % field goal shooting against their win against Kansas. He also put up 16 points, 4 steals, and 6 rebounds against Illinois. It will be interesting to see his matchup against Jordan Hawkins. Look for Davis to be a key player in the UConn game.
Ricky Council IV
With 1:29 left to go against Kansas, Council IV hit a game-tying 2-point shot. In the first round against Illinois, he added 18 points, 10 rebounds, and shot 91.7 percent from the free-throw line. In the second-round win against Kansas, Council IV added 21 points, 1 block, 4 assists, 6 rebounds in 40 minutes. His 91 percent three throw percentage helped Arkansas seal the deal with seconds to go in the game.
Key Stats
? UConn averaged 78.5 points per game during the regular season.
? Arkansas averaged 74.4 points per game during the regular season.
? UConn ranks 39th in points allowed with 64.7 opponents points per game.
? Arkansas ranks 98th in points allowed with 67.4 opponents points per game.
? UConn ranks 18th in rebounds per game with 38.9.
? Arkansas ranks 140th in rebounds per game with 35.5.
? UConn ranks 5th in point differential at +13.7
? Arkansas ranks 61st in point differential at +6.9
? UConn ranks 19th in blocked shots with 4.9 per game.
? Arkansas ranks 10th in blocked shots with 5.1 per game.
? UConn averages 35.7 % from the 3-point, while Arkansas averages 31.7 % beyond the arc.
LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION
SPREAD: UConn -4
-UConn covered the spread in 8 of their last 10 games.
-Arkansas covered the spread in 6 their last 10 games.
-UConn has a 23-11-1 record ATS this season.
-Arkansas has a 18-16-1 record ATS this season.
Both teams have proven why they should be in the Sweet 16. UConn flew by Iona and Saint Mary’s, while Arkansas beat tough Illinois and Kansas Teams. Arkansas covered the spread by +3.5 against Kansas, and -2.5 against Illinois. However, I like the tempo UConn is playing at, and they have an efficient defensive team. Although The Razorbacks are red hot, UConn should be able to shut them down from the perimeter.
MONEY LINE: UConn ML
-UConn won the Money Line 8 out of their last 10 games
-Arkansas won the Money Line 5 of their last 10 games.
Dan Hurley’s Huskies are one of the hottest teams right now. I don’t see the Razorbacks slowing down Sanogo in the paint. UConn is the far superior team offensively and have a mean defense. If Arkansas can cover the perimeter, UConn could be in trouble. I like UConn Money line here.
OVER/UNDER- Under
-UConn Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +0.79
-Arkansas Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +0.04
-UConn Overall O/U Record: 19-16-0
-Arkansas O/U Record: 14-20-1
-UConn hit the UNDER in 7 of their last 10 games.
-Arkansas is 5-5 for the Over/Under their last 10 games.
140 seems like a fair number here. I think both sides play hard with plenty of defense. If both teams guard the perimeter, leaving the points up to the inside, this could be a relatively low scoring game. I like the under.
For More Betting Info & Game Predictions, Follow us at @BallislifeBets
Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both College Basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: @GGirlSports
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]]>The post GAME OF THE DAY: HOUSTON V. AUBURN: Betting Odds: NCAA Tournament Second Round. appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Under/Over
*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*
Money Line:
Houston: -250
Auburn: +210
Over/Under: 132
Over: -110
Under: -110
Spread:
Houston: -5.5(-110)
Auburn: +5.5 (-110)
Top 5 Bookies To Try out For Houston v Auburn
Tournament Recap
Houston
?Houston had an unimpressive win against 16th seed Northern Kentucky, 63-52 Thursday. The Cougars lost Marcus Sasser throughout the game due to injury, who only shot 25 percent from the 3-point line. This team did out-rebound NKU 42-33 and shot 49 percent from the field. Houston committed 17 turnovers and were able to secure the money line.
Auburn
?Auburn had an impressive win over 8th seed Iowa 83-75, hitting the over in round one of the NCAA Tournament. They covered the spread by -1.5. Surprisingly, Auburn shot 36.4 % from the three-point range, and 46 percent from the field. Although they were outrebounded 44-38, they were able to secure that money line.
Regular Season Recap
Houston Cougars
The Houston Cougars are coming off an incredible season, finishing 32-3 overall, and 17-1 in the AAC. Houston now has six straight seasons of 20 plus wins and no more than 8 losses in each of those seasons. Last year, the Cougars lost to Villanova in the Elite Eight. However, they are poised to make a deep run again this year, and have the talent to make it, if healthy. Even though Houston played incredible this season, they are only 1-1 against top 25 teams this year. They won against Virginia, 69-61, and lost to Alabama, 71-65. Houston started their season with 9 straight wins and won 22 of their last 25 games. The Cougars ranked 38th in strength of?schedule and went 9-1 in their last ten games. Houston has an incredible defense that ranks #2 in the nation in points allowed. This teams allows only 56.4 points per game and holds opponents to 27.33% on three-point shooting. This Houston team has a slower tempo and led the nation in opponent field goal percentage of 36.1. They excel defensively both on the perimeter and inside the paint. Led by Senior guard Marcus Sasser, this is a complete team that plays very well on both sides of the ball. They rank within the top 100 in assists, and right outside the top 100 in points per game. Houston has been a consistent program over the years, and have additional stars, Jarace Walker and J’Wan Roberts to carry them through.
Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers had an interesting season to say the least. Head Coach Bruce Pearl’s team struggled at times. Much like Houston, Auburn has experience in the NCAA Tournament. They’ve made 12 tournament appearances, and lost in the second round last year. They finished 21-12 in a competitive SEC, which resulted in a 7th overall conference finish. The Tigers finished 10-8 in the conference, six games behind Alabama. Auburn started off the season on fire, winning their first eight games. In their final 24 games, they finished just 12-12. The program had impressive wins over Arkansas, and Tennessee. However, they are 2-3 against top 25 teams, and took two key losses against Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. After analyzing all the wins and tough losses, it’s important to note the Tigers ranked 8th in strength in schedule. They rank middle of the pack in points per game, assists per game, and rank 321st in three- pointers made at 31.5 %. This team shows defensive strengths, however not as strong as Houston. They rank top 100 in points allowed, 30th in opponent field goal percentage, and rank top 5 in opponent three-point percentage. Sophomore Johni Broome has provided defense down below, ranking top 65 in blocks. The Auburn Tigers beat Iowa in the first round of the tournament. However, they have not been able to close out close games, specifically against West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt. They rank 85th, with a point differential of ONLY +5.7 points.
Injury Report
Houston
Marcus Sasser (Guard, Groin) Game Time Decision. Sasser claims he is “100 percent” playing vs. Auburn as of 3/18/2023.
Mylik Wilson (Guard, non-injury related) Out for the Season
Ramon Walker Jr. (Guard, personal) Out for the Season
Auburn
Chance Westry (Guard, Knee) Out for the Season
Key Players
Houston
Senior guard Marcus Sasser has arguably been one of their top players this season. He is the ACC player of the year for a reason. Sasser is averaging 16.7 points per game, which ranks 127th in the nation. He adds over three assists per game, along with a few rebounds. Marcus is shooting a strong 38.2 % from the 3-point this season, and 84 free throw percentage. He adds defense to this team, averaging 1.6 steals per game. He scored more than 20 points six times in a row this season, and had his best performance against ECU in the American Athletic Conference Semifinal. He contributed 30 points on 60 field goal percentage, and shot 100% from the free throw line. He knocked down 4-9 three- point shots. However, Sasser struggled with a recent groin injury, and was held out of Houston’s loss against Memphis. He attempted to make a return in the first round against Northern Kentucky. However, he was still injured, and finished with 5 points on 2-5 shooting. If he is 100%, I trust this Houston team moving forward.
Junior Forward J’Wan Roberts leads Houston in rebounds with 7.9 boards per game. He adds a solid 10.4 points per game, and shoots 64 % from the field. He also averages more than 1 block per game.
Expect Freshman Forward Jarace Walker to make an impact in March Madness. He adds 11.2 points per game, with 6.6 rebounds, and shoots 47.8 percent from the field. He provided three blocks In the American Athletic Conference Championship Final loss against Memphis. Walker also has nine blocks in his last five games.
Auburn
Sophomore Forward Johni Broome leads the tigers in 14.2 points per game, which ranks 150+. In addition, he’s tied 63rd in rebounds with 8.5. Also, Broome shoots well over 50 percent from the field. Broome was extremely impressive in the first-round win against Iowa, adding 19 points and 5 blocks. He shot 100 percent from the three-point line and snagged 12 rebounds. Broome stands at 6 foot 10, and averages 2.4 blocks per game. He is a solid rim protector, that can play excellent interior defense, and can score. He’s not the best three-point shooter, only averaging 30 percent.
Auburn has four players who average double digits in points, including guard Wendell Green Jr, forward Jaylin Williams, and guard Allen Flanigan. They aren’t the highest 3-point shooters. However, they all shoot above 44 percent from the field, and provide defensive stability.
Key Stats
? Houston averaged 75 points per game during the regular season.
? Auburn averaged 75 points per game during the regular season.
? Houston ranks 2nd in points allowed with 56.4 opponents points per game.
? Auburn ranks 98th in points allowed with 67.3 opponents points per game.
? Houston ranks 19th in rebounds per game with 38.9
? Auburn ranks 88th in rebounds per game with 36.3
? Houston ranks 1st in point differential at +18.3
? Auburn ranks 85th in point differential at +5.7
? Houston ranks 25th in blocked shots with 4.7 per game.
? Auburn ranks 13th in blocked shots with 5.1 per game.
? Houston averages 34.5 % from the 3-point, while Auburn averages 31.4 % beyond the arc.
LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION
SPREAD: Auburn + 5.5
-Houston covered the spread in just TWO of their last 10 games.
-Auburn covered the spread in just FOUR of their last 10 games.
-Houston has a 18-17-0 record ATS this season.
-Auburn has a 16-17-0 record ATS this season.
- Auburn covered the spread +10 against the #1 program in the nation, Alabama.
Both teams proved why they should be in the tournament. Houston is an elite team, ranking in the top defensive category. Auburn holds their own on the defensive front. If Auburn can keep up on the rebounds, limit turnovers, and make smart shots, they can keep up. Neither of these teams are highly ranked as far as 3-point percentage goes. Give me Auburn +5.5
MONEY LINE: Houston
-Houston won the Money Line 9 out of their last 10 games
-Auburn won the Money Line 4 of their last 10 games.
If Marcus Sasser is fully healthy, as he claims, I fully expect Houston to win this game. They are a well-rounded team, with talent on both sides. They rank top five in points allowed, and the Cougars are dominant on the glass & even favorites to win March Madness according to college basketball sportsbooks. They have an incredible point differential, and role players that come together and let their defense speak for themselves.
OVER/UNDER- Under
-Houston Avg +/- vs O/U Line: -2.33
-Auburn Avg +/- vs O/U Line: -0.21
-Houston Overall O/U Record: 16-19-0
- Auburn O/U Record: 20-13-0
-Houston hit the UNDER in 6 of their last 10 games.
-Auburn hit the OVER in 6 of their last 10 games.
132 is what I expected for the over/ under. Both teams play incredible defense and are not three-point threats. Expect both teams to apply pressure and?play zones to cover the inside paint.
For More Betting Info & Game Predictions, Follow us at @BallislifeBets
Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both College Basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: @GGirlSports
NATIONAL PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE
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The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network. The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. The network consists of 28 contact centers that provide resources and referrals for all 50 states and US territories.?Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.
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]]>The post Game of the Day: VCU V. Saint Mary's: Betting Odds: NCAA Tournament Round of 64 appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Under/Over
*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*
Money Line
VCU: +160
Saint Mary’s: -190
Over/Under: 122
Over: -120
Under: +100
Spread:
VCU: +4 (-105)
Saint Mary’s: -4 (-115)
Regular Season Recap
VCU Rams
The VCU Rams are coming off an excellent season, accomplishing 52 wins in the last two seasons. The Rams come into the NCAA basketball tournament winning 9 straight games. VCU had key wins over Pittsburg, Dayton, George Mason, and Vanderbilt. In fact, they are the ONLY team to represent the Atlantic-10 this year. They averaged a +14-point differential during the A 10 Championship against Davidson, Saint Louis, and Dayton. The Rams endured a key loss to Memphis, currently the 8th seed, 62-47. VCU may have 27 wins this season, however, they have yet to play a top 25 team in the nation. Led by Guard Adrian “Ace” Baldwin Jr., the Rams had the 59th hardest schedule this season. The last time the Rams made the Final Four was the 2011 season as an 11th seed, partially due to their stellar defense. They rank 24th in the nation, allowing just over 62 points-per game, and held opponents to a 32 percentage three-point percentage. They have an incredible defense this year and rank top 20th in forced turnovers. The Rams rank near the bottom in scoring, and often rely on turnovers and defense to win games. VCU may have won the A 10 Championship. However, they have a tough matchup against the Gaels, who are also a defensive minded team.
Saint Mary’s Gaels
Saint Mary’s had an impressive season, finishing 26-7 overall, and 14-2 in the WCC. Saint Mary's had key wins over Oral Roberts, Vermont, SDSU, Vanderbilt, and an OT thriller against Gonzaga. They are 2-3 against top 25 teams this year, and took key loses against Houston, and Gonzaga. They started the season with 6 straight wins and ended the season winning 17 of their last 20. In addition, they had the 12th hardest schedule this year. The Gaels are top 5 in the nation in opponent points per game, partially due to guard Logan Johnson averaging over 1 steal a game. He is a player with grit, has scoring capability, and can often grab boards. On the plus side, the Gaels split the WCC title with Gonzaga, who ranks top 5 in offense. Saint Mary’s has not been hot, dropping two games to Gonzaga. The Gaels will heavily rely on Johnson and the 3-point shot, where they rank 35th. Much like VCU, they are not strong at the free throw line, ranking in the bottom 270th. This game will come down to defense and forced turnovers.
Injury Report
VCU
Jarren McAllister (Guard)
Saint Mary’s
Matt Van Komen (Center)
Mason Forbes (Forward)
Key Players
VCU
Junior guard Adrian Baldwin Jr. is a decent scoring option for the Rams. However, he is inconsistent from the 3-point range. Baldwin Jr. averages over 2 steals a game, provides playmaking ability, and dishes out 5.9 assists a game. In the Conference Championship game against Dayton, he scored 16 points on 33 % 3-point shooting. He showcased his playmaking abilities with 7 assists. His best game of the season came against St. Louis with 37 points, on 80 % from the 3-point, and 12-15 from the field. Look for him to be heavily involved in this game.
VCU does not have an elite star, rather a mix of players who can all score in double-digits. Forward Brandon Johns Jr is another guard who can provide scoring, and often rebounds.
Saint Mary’s
Senior Guard Logan Johnson is a beloved player for Saint Mary's. He started his career with Cincinnati and played for the Gaels the past four seasons. Logan is not a player who knocks down three-point shots consistently. He averaged 30 % beyond the arc this season. However, Logan plays incredible defense, and averages 1.5 steals a game. He is built with tenacity, and the Gaels will heavily rely on him against a top VCU defense. Johnson was red hot at the end of the season, scoring 27, 29, and 27 points. During the last three games of the season, he averaged 58 % from the 3-point, and 61.7 field goal percentage over those games.
Freshman Guard Aidan Mahaney will be a key factor in this game. He averaged a solid 14.5 points per game,and can drive to the basket while on ball. In addition, he averaged 41.2 % from the 3-point line this season.
Junior Center Mitchel Saxen will provide defense in the paint and is an effective scoring option. Saxen averages 7.8 boards a game and 1.1 blocks. The Gaels have a slight advantage in the rebounding department over VCU. Look for Saxen and Forward Kyle Bowen to take care of the boards down below.
Key Stats
? VCU AND Saint Mary’s are averaging 71.4 points per game, tied at 200th and 201st.
? VCU ranks 34th in points allowed with 62.9 opponents points per game.
? VCU ranks 322nd in rebounds per game with 33.3.
? VCU ranks 35th in point differential at +8.5.
? VCU ranks 36th in blocked shots with 4.6 per game.
? Saint Mary’s ranks 5th in points allowed with 60.1 opponents points per game.
? Saint Mary’s ranks 171st in rebounds per game with 35.6
? Saint Mary’s ranks 17th in point differential at +11.2
? VCU Averages 34.7% from the 3-point, while Saint Mary’s averages 37.2 % beyond the arc.
LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION
? SPREAD: VCU +4
-VCU covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 games.
-VCU has a 18-15-1 record ATS this season.
-Saint Mary’s covered the spread in JUST FOUR of their last 10.
-Saint Mary’s has a 19-13-0 record ATS this season.
-VCU has won 9 straight. In their last three games, the largest spread covered was -7.5. Neither of these teams are offensive machines. I fully expect a close game with defense on BOTH sides.
? MONEY LINE: Saint Mary’s
-VCU won the Money Line 9 out of their last 10 games
-Saint Mary’s won the Money Line in 7 of their last 10 games.
-Saint Mary’s averages the exact points per game as VCU. They have more experience against top 25 teams this season and slight edge in rebounding and on offense. Give me the Gaels.
? OVER/UNDER- OVER
-VCU Avg +/- vs O/U Line: -0.82
-Saint Mary’s Avg +/- vs O/U Line: -1.06
-VCU Overall O/U Record: 14-20-0
-Saint Mary’s overall O/U Record: 16-16-0
-VCU hit the UNDER in 6 of their last 10 games.
-Saint Mary’s hit the OVER in 6 of their last 10 games.
122 is low for an Over/Under. Although both of these teams play incredible defense, I expect both teams to score at LEAST 60 plus points. I picked the over. However, not by much.
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]]>The post Alabama v. Texas A&M Corpus Christi: Betting Odds| NCAA Tournament Round of 64 appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Under/Over
*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*
Money Line
Alabama: -12500
Texas A&M Corpus Christi: +2500
Over/Under: 155.5
Over: -110
Under: -110
Spread:
Alabama -24 (-110)
Texas A&M Corpus Christi: +24 (-110)
Regular Season Recap
Alabama
The Crimson Tide made a comeback this season, after making a first-round exit against Notre Dame last season. After finishing 19-14 last season, Alabama established themselves as the #1 team in the Nation and SEC. The Crimson Tide finished 29-5 overall and have a shot at making a deep run according to March Madness betting sites. Led by Freshman Brandon Miller, the Crimson Tide ranked #1 in strength of schedule, according to CBS, and are one of the most efficient offensive teams. Alabama had impressive wins over Houston, a top tier team, and UNC, a former #1 overall team in the nation. Alabama had 16 impressive wins in the SEC, only losing to Tennessee and Texas A&M. They also finished 7-4 against Top 25 teams. Alabama will look to win their first National Championship in the next couple of weeks. Nate Oats is an elite coach, and this team excels on both sides of the ball, including attacking the rim with their height advantage. Defensively, they’ve held opponents to under 70 points per game. They’ve had many issues off the court, and it’s only a matter of time how it will affect them in games.
Latest Sportsbook Promos to use on Islanders vs Crimson Tide
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
The Islanders are looking to advance against Alabama after their First Four exist last year. The Islanders found success again this season, finishing 24-10 overall, which is one more win than the previous season. Before January 26th, the Islanders finished just 12-9. Since then, they went on a tear, winning 7 in a row, and winning 11 of their next 12 games. They had 14 wins in the Southland Conference and had key wins against Alcorn State (#1 in SWAC), and twice against Northwestern State. Lead by Trevian Tennyson and Isaac Mushila, the Islanders finished as one of the top teams at the free throw line. Although they were in the bottom 300 in terms of strength of schedule, the Islanders impressed with their 3-point shooting and offense. Jalen Jackson led the Islanders to a gutsy 75-71 First Four win over Southeast Missouri State with 22 points. They struggled against SEMO, shooting less than 30 percent beyond the arc and field goal percentage. However, they went 27-35 from the free throw line, which led them to the First Four win and into the NCAA Tournament. If they are without Senior Guard, Terrion Murdix, it may be very difficult to keep up with Alabama.
Injury Report
Alabama
None
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Terrion Murdix (G)
Key Players
Alabama
Freshman Forward Brandon Miller has been waiting for this moment his entire career. He is arguably Alabama’s top player and one of the best in the country. He averaged 19.6 points per game, and 8.3 rebounds, nearly averaging a double-double this year. Not only is he 6’9”, but Miller has also shot a solid 45 percent from field goal rang, and 40 percent from beyond the arc. Although Alabama lost to Gonzaga 100-90 on 12/17, Miller had an impressive game. He finished with 36 points, on 12-22. Miller shot 54.5 percent from the three on 6-11. In addition, he finished with 6 rebounds. He is an all-around athlete that can finish at the rim, strike from beyond the three, and could lead this team to the Final Four.
Freshman Noah Clowney has been another staple of this team, averaging 10.1 points per game and 8 rebounds, tied for 88th in the nation. He nearly has a 50-field percentage. In addition, Junior guard Mark Sears has stepped up nicely, also averaging double digits in points with 12.5.
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Senior guard Trevian Tennyson has proven he can do it all for his team. He’s a threat beyond the arc, hitting 40 percent of his 3-point shots this season. He’s a player that’s improved both in minutes played, field goal, and three-point percentage.
The Islanders have been without Senior Guard, Terrion Murdix, who has an injured Knee. If he is out against the Crimson Tide, they will be missing a player who shoots 54 percent from the field, averaging double digits in points, and over 4 assists.
Key Stats
? Alabama is averaging 82.2 points per game, while Texas A&M CC is averaging 80.4 points per game.
? Alabama led the entire nation in Rebounds per game at 44.4, just above UAB.
? Alabama averages 44.4 rebounds per game, while Texas A&M CC is averaging 36.9 rebounds per game.
? Texas A&M CC averaged 36.8 % from 3-point, while Alabama averaged 33.8 % from 3-point.
? Alabama is ranked # 8th in point differential, at +13.6
? Texas A&M Corpus Christi ranks 17th in the Nation with 80.2 PPG
? Texas A&M Corpus Christi ranks 47th in point differential at +7.6
LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION
? SPREAD: Alabama -24
-Alabama covered the spread in three of their last five games. This included a -9.5 and -8.0 spread against Missouri and Mississippi State.
-Alabama is 19-14-1 this season to cover the spread.
-Alabama highest spread point will be against Texas A&M CC at -24.0
-Texas A&M CC covered the spread in three of their last 10 games.
-Texas A&M CC is 18-12-0 ATS
-Texas A&M CC is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 games.
? MONEY LINE: Alabama
-Alabama won the Money line 8 out of their last 10 games
-Adding Alabama money line at -12500 would not add a significant value to any parlay. High risk low reward situation.
-In their last 10 games, Alabama has won the money line very high at -1932 against UGA and -1682 vs. South Carolina
-Texas A&M CC won the money line in 9 out of their last 10 games.
? OVER/UNDER- OVER
Alabama has a record of 15-18-1 versus the over/under. They hit the UNDER in 6 of their last 10 games, and last 4 games straight.
Texas A&M CC has a 18-12 record versus over/under. They hit the under 6 out of their last ten games.
Alabama Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +3.23
Texas A&M CC Avg +/- vs O/U Line: + 0.24
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Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: @GGirlSports
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