The 4th seed, UConn Huskies (30-8, 13-7 Big East) are making their 5th appearance in the Final Championship Game in school history. Connecticut has participated in 36 Tournaments and secured 4 titles.

UConn, under the guidance of Head Coach Dan Hurley, is venturing into their first National Championship Game and seeking their initial NCAA Championship since the 2013-2014 season. On the other hand, the 5th seed, San Diego State Aztecs (32-6, 15-3 Mountain West), led by Head Coach Brian Dutcher, are making their inaugural appearance in the NCAA Championship game. These two teams will face off Tonight at 9:20 EDT in the NCAA National Championship, taking place in Houston, Texas. The game airs on CBS. For those interested in the most favorable betting odds, here are the details:

Money Line

UConn: -350, Considered significant favorites to win as per college basketball betting sites San Diego State: +290

Over/Under: 132.5

Over: -110Under: -110

Spread:

UConn: -7.5 (-110)San Diego State: +7.5 (-110)

Connecticut Huskies (UConn)

Tournament betting records: UConn holds a 5-0 Money Line and 5-0 against the spread (ATS) record, with the UNDER being the result in 3 of their 5 NCAA Tournament games.

The Connecticut Huskies have demonstrated their top form during this NCAA Tournament, outscoring Miami, Gonzaga, Arkansas, Saint Mary’s, and Iona by double-digit margins. UConn boasts an average of 79.8 points scored per game and concedes an average of 59.2 opponent points per game. The team has excelled on the defensive front, with the highest points allowed in the tournament being 65 against Arkansas. UConn has effectively limited all five opponents in the NCAA Tournament to 29.74 percent three-point shooting. Furthermore, they’ve held all opponents to 34.5 percent field goal shooting.

Forward Adama Sonogo has been instrumental, showcasing his value to the team with 7 blocks, 49 total rebounds, and an average of 20 points per game in the tournament. Head Coach Dan Hurley emphasizes the importance of defense and imparts this philosophy to his players, evident in the performances of guards Tristen Newton, Joey Calcaterra, and Forward Alex Karaban. Throughout this year’s March Madness Tournament, UConn has maintained a 50 percent field goal average and nearly 41 percent three-point average.

Final Four

UConn’s defense has been exceptional, complemented by their efficient offensive capabilities. In the Final Four game against Miami, The Huskies dominated the first quarter, securing a 72-59 victory over the Hurricanes. Connecticut performed exceptionally well in the first half, outscoring Miami 37-24 while shooting close to 50 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from downtown. Despite a substantial turnover count, Connecticut outrebounded the Hurricanes 41-32 and registered 5 blocks.

Adama Sanogo’s dominance in the paint was notable, and even took two open three-point shots. Although Jordan Hawkins faced challenges due to an illness, he contributed 13 points with a 3-7 three-point shooting. Donovan Clingan and Alex Karaban also made significant contributions on the rebounding front while guards Andre Jackson Jr. and Tristen Newton displayed proficiency in shooting, defense, and assisting. Despite securing the win, Connecticut’s performance dipped in the second half, accompanied by a high number of turnovers and a 50% free-throw shooting rate.

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).

Tournament betting records: San Diego State holds a 5-0 Money Line, 4-1 ATS, record and has seen the UNDER result in 4 of their 5 NCAA Tournament games.

San Diego State, despite not being termed as a “Cinderella Team” due to their 5th seed status, has displayed their mettle by clinching victories, including a buzzer-beater to progress to the Championship game. Their triumph tonight would mark them as the first number 5 seed to secure the National Title. The Aztecs have been solid on the defensive end, holding opponents to an average of 60 points per game, with an impressive 21.6 percent free-throw shooting rate recorded during the tournament.

In their matchups against FAU and Creighton, San Diego State maintained a narrow margin of victory, emphasizing their resilience and defensive prowess. Despite their victory over top seed Alabama, their offensive efficiency has not been remarkable. Matt Bradley emerges as the sole player with a double-digit scoring average, and although he faced some challenges during the tournament, his impactful performance in the Final Four win against FAU showcased his capability. Senior Guard Darrion Trammell is a viable candidate to step up in case Bradley encounters difficulties. Over the span of 5 NCAA Tournament games, San Diego State secured an average of 67.6 points, showcasing a nearly 33 percent three-point average.

Final Four

Lamont Butler’s game-winning mid-range shot represented a significant moment in San Diego State’s journey to the National Championship Final game, played against FAU. Similar to UConn, San Diego State exhibits a physically robust and defensively proficient playing style. Their victory in the Final Four game against FAU, marked by a 72-71 scoreline, also reflected a higher-scoring affair. The Aztecs showcased tremendous resilience, outscoring their opponents in the second half after trailing by a significant margin at halftime.

Matt Bradley’s resurgence in the game was crucial, exemplified by a 21-point contribution and a strong three-point shooting performance. Despite none of the starters reaching double digits in scoring, Keshad Johnson, Darrion Trammell, and Lamont Butler made impactful contributions, including defensive steals. However, rebounding remains an area of improvement as none of the Aztecs’ starters secured double-digit rebounds. If they aim to secure victory, San Diego State must focus on outrebounding UConn, rely on Matt Bradley, and capitalize on turnovers. Guarding UConn effectively will be challenging, given their adeptness in shooting from various positions on the court.

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).

Connecticut Huskies (UConn): None

San Diego State Aztecs: None

Connecticut Huskies (UConn)

Adama Sonogo has been a standout performer for the Huskies throughout the season and in the NCAA Tournament. Sonogo, known for his prowess in scoring and rebounding, has displayed exceptional abilities, standing tall at 6 foot 9 and weighing 245 pounds. In their win against Miami, Sonogo surprised by converting two three-point shots in less than a minute. In this year’s NCAA Tournament, he boasts an average of 20.2 points per game, 1.4 blocks, and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Jordan Hawkins, previously listed on the injury report due to a non-COVID-related illness, made an impact in the Final Four game by contributing 13 points with a 3-7 three-point shooting performance. Hawkins holds an average of 16.4 points per game and 3 rebounds in this tournament and has showcased impressive shooting percentages from the three-point line and overall field.

San Diego State Aztecs

Matt Bradley

Matt Bradley has been the linchpin of the San Diego State Aztecs throughout the season, emerging as the sole player with a double-digit scoring average of 12.7. Bradley exhibits commendable three-point and field goal shooting percentages at 36.5 percent and 40 percent, respectively. Despite facing challenges during the tournament, he delivered a significant performance in the Final Four win against FAU, amassing 21 points and exhibiting a robust shooting display from the three-point line. Senior Guard Darrion Trammell is also a key asset, as evidenced by his 21-point contribution against Alabama and notable steals in the NCAA tournament.

• 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.

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 holds a 26-11-1 record ATS this season.

-UConn has a 9-1-0 record ATS in their last 10 games.

-San Diego State carries a 19-16-2 record ATS this season.

-San Diego State has a 7-3 record ATS in their last 10 games.

UConn is a dominant team known for securing victories with significant point differentials. Despite San Diego State’s 7-3 performance against the spread in their last 10 games, the preference is for UConn to cover the spread.

MONEY LINE: UConn ML

-UConn secured the Money Line in 9 out of their last 10 games.

-San Diego State won the Money Line 9 of their last 10 games.

Considering the coaching and talent advantages, it is anticipated that UConn, known for winning each game with double-digit margins, will emerge victorious. Therefore, the preference is for the 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.

Given the remarkable defensive capabilities of both UConn and San Diego State, coupled with the significance of the game on the grand stage, it is expected to witness a solid defensive display from both teams. Hence, the preference is for the under.