No. 5 UConn is back in both the Big East and the NCAA Tournament, and they will face the No. 12 New Mexico State Aggies on Thursday at 6:50 PM ET in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
No. 5 UConn: 23-9 (13-6 Big East): At-Large
KenPom rating: 18 Overall, 21 Offense, 35 Defense
NET ranking: 17, (5-6 VS Quad 1)
Leading scorer: A.J. Cole 15.7 PPG
Key stat: UConn has three guys averaging 13+ PPG
UConn has been up and down this season, but at no point did we think they wouldn’t be in the NCAA Tournament. A.J. Cole has been a good leader, but Adama Sonogo is the most important piece to this Huskies team. If they want a shot at making a run in the NCAA Tournament, they will need Sonogo to play well.
No. 12 New Mexico State: 26-6 (14-4 WAC): Auto Bid
KenPom rating: 81 Overall, 87 Offense, 73 Defense
NET ranking: 79 (2-0 VS Quad 1)
Leading scorer: Teddy Allen 19.3 PPG
Key stat: 12-2 non-conference record including two quad 1 wins
Teddy Allen is the big story for this New Mexico State team. After a good year at Nebraska, Allen transferred to New Mexico State where he’s had a ton of success with 19.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. When he’s quiet the Aggies struggle, and he’ll need a big day if we are to see another infamous 5-12 upset in the NCAA Tournament.
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook
Point spread: UConn -6.5
Point total: 132
Moneyline: UConn -290, New Mexico State +230
The Pick
Against The Spread Pick: New Mexico State +6.5
Point total pick: Under 132
Pick to Win: UConn -290
In this game, UConn will likely win, but I expect the Aggies to keep it close. The big pick in this game for me is the under. I love under 133.5 because I don't see either team scoring a ton of points. UConn’s last four games have been under, so there is a trend here.
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