March Madness Round 64 Lines: Saint Mary’s vs. UConn Betting Preview

In their first tournament contest, the Saint Mary’s Gaels squashed the idea of a 5-seed losing to a 12-seed in a massive victory over the VCU Rams. For their efforts, the Gaels take on the UConn Huskies on Sunday in the tournament’s second round. Will West Coast Conference squad Saint Mary’s prevail? Or will one of the best from the Big East get it done? Keep reading for college basketball odds, analysis, and a free pick for Saint Mary’s versus UConn.

We will now preview the game plus our betting prediction for this Round of 64 contest. Keep reading for college basketball betting lines, analysis, and a free pick for Saint Mary’s vs Uconn.

2023 March Madness Round of 64 Game
No. 5 Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. No. 4 Connecticut Huskies Betting Preview

Saint Mary’s of WCC meets UConn of Big East in NCAA Tourney Second Round
ATS Odds: UConn -3.5
Moneyline Odds: Saint Mary’s +139 / UConn -172
Over/Under Odds: 141 -110
When: Sunday, March 19 at 6:10 pm ET
Where: MVP Arena, Albany, NY
TV / Streaming: TNT/Paramount+

Why Bet on No. 4 UConn versus No. 5 Saint Mary’s?

The 63-51 win over VCU impresses because heading into their first tournament contest, the Rams had been firing on all cylinders.

VCU was on a 9-game winning streak and had gone 8-1 ATS in those 9 games. The fact Saint Mary’s beat and so easily covered the -4 spread agianst VCU means the Saint Mary’s Gaels are for real.

Saint Mary’s Gaels Offensive Averages

Points/G: 71.9
FG %: 46.1
3PT%: 37.2
FT %: 69.6
Rebounds/G: 33.0

Saint Mary’s Gaels Defensive Averages

Points/G: 59.3
FG %: 40.7
3PT%: 32.0
FT %: 74.8
Rebounds/G: 25.9

Why Bet on No. 5 Saint Mary’s versus No. 4 UConn?

Earlier in the season, UConn was a 1-seed contender. During the middle of the season, the Huskies suffered a losing streak.

But towards the end of the season, UConn picked it up, going 9-2 in their last 11 with the only losses happening against Creighton and Marquette.

In their first NCAA Tournament game, the Huskies blasted Rick Pitino’s Iona Gaels team 87-63. Connecticut has the inside-outside game that should give Saint Mary’s fits.

UConn Huskies Offensive Averages

Points/G: 79.0
FG %: 45.9
3PT%: 35.6
FT %: 75.8
Rebounds/G: 36.1

UConn Huskies Defensive Averages

Points/G: 64.8
FG %: 40.8
3PT%: 29.7
FT %: 73.6
Rebounds/G: 26.5

UConn vs. Saint Mary’s Betting Trends

Gaels are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 at a neutral site
Saint Mary’s is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 following an ATS win
Under is 8-3 in the Gaels’ last 11 NCAA Tournament games
Huskies are 6-1 ATS int heir last 7 games
UConn is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games at a neutral site
Under is 4-1 in the Huskies last 5 overall

UConn Huskies vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Odds and Prediction

Saint Mary’s is a quality team but on Sunday they face a squad closer to West Coast rival Gonzaga than what they saw in VCU.

The Zags dominated Saint Mary’s 77-51 in a West Coast Conference Tournament matchup. Connecticut won’t beat the Gaels by 26 points on Sunday, but the favored team should win by at least 8.

UConn lost to Marquette by 2 points in the Big East Tournament Final. Before the loss to Marquette, Connecticut fell to Creighton by 3 on the road.

The Huskies are good enough to win the National Championship. Connecticut won’t allow a team like Saint Mary’s to end their title dream.

March Madness Pick: UConn -3.5 | Bet Saint Mary’s vs Uconn Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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