Pedro Oliveira
In this preview of the tie between UCONN University against New Mexico State University, we bring you all the details so that you are aware of everything that happens with both teams. The Huskies have been one of the most well-rounded teams in college basketball, while the Aggies once again dominated their conference and will be looking to give a safe upset.
Picks and Predictions for the UCONN Huskies vs New Mexico State Aggies NCAA Basketball Championship Round 1 Game on March 17
- Where: KeyBank Center – Buffalo, New York
- When: Thursday, March 17, 6:50 PM ET
- Betting Line: UCONN Huskies (-7) vs New Mexico State Aggies (+7)
UCONN Huskies Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 23-9
- Conference Record: 23-9
- Spread: –7
- Over/Under: Under 131.5
- Moneyline: –290
One of the strengths of the Huskies is their ability to dominate the boards, being the fifth-best team in defensive rebounds (40.9 per game) and third in offense (14 per game), and much of that goes to Adama Sanogo (14.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2 blocks), Tyrese Martin (13.7 points, 7.6 rebounds) and Andre Jackson (6.8 points, 7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals) who form a very complicated trident to keep inactive.
R.J Cole is the offensive star of the team led by Dan Hurley, averaging 15.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals. UCONN doesn’t really have major weaknesses and are proficient in almost every area needed to advance in the tournament.
New Mexico State Aggies Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 26-6
- Conference Record: 26-6
- Spread: +7
- Over/Under: Over 131.5
- Moneyline: +230
The defense of the Aggies is the key to this match, it will be the determining factor that will define whether or not they are able to achieve the upset. They come in good pace having won 11 of their last 14 games, but UCONN is definitely the strongest opponent they will face on their way into this season in the NCAA.
Coach Chris Jans should focus on organizing the offense around a screen, cuts the ball and three-pointers from the dribble, which have been the weakest areas in the Huskies’ defense. In addition, New Mexico State’s internal defense is one of the best in the country, which will complicate its opponent by basing its game on the dominance of the boards. Teddy Allen (19.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals) and Sir’Jabari Rice (12.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists) are the names to follow on the Aggies roster.
JefeBet Prediction
It’s a very close and difficult match but UCONN’s efficiency in having fewer loose ends in their game is shaping up to be more solid than any ability the Aggies have to exploit the Huskies’ momentary weaknesses. UCONN takes the victory 78 to 74.
