Rick Pitino and the Iona Gaels will be aiming for a big upset this Friday at the MVP Arena in Albany when they take on the powerful Connecticut Huskies of the Big East. Check out our preview of this Connecticut vs Iona matchup in the 2023 March Madness. There are more college basketball previews to read here at TopBet, so feel free to look around and make bets on the NCAA tournament once you’re ready.
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Betting Preview for the Connecticut Huskies vs Iona Gaels NCAA College Basketball Game on March 17 2023
Where: MVP Arena (Albany, NY)
When: Friday, March 17, 2023, 4:30 PM ET
Line: Connecticut Huskies (ODDS) vs. Iona Gaels (ODDS) – view all 2023 NCAAB lines
TV Broadcast: TBS
Betting on the Connecticut Huskies (ODDS)
Record: 25-8 Overall/13-7 Conference
The Huskies took a stumble in the Big East tournament, as they got ambushed by the Marquette Golden Eagles in a 70-68 loss last Friday. That being said, there’s no denying that Connecticut is a force to reckon with not just in its conference but in the nation. KenPom has the Huskies ranked fourth overall. The Huskies have an elite offense and a scary defense. Either of which can carry UConn to a win against any team. On the season, the Huskies are scoring 78.5 points per game and are allowing only 65.0 points per outing. They challenge shots hard and often force opponents to make tougher shots, resulting in a defensive 45.5 FG% for Connecticut, which is also No. 1 nationally with a 39.2 percent offensive rebounding rate.
Connecticut is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10 games.
Betting on the Iona Gaels (ODDS)
Record: 27-7 Overall/17-3 Conference
Unlike the Huskies, Iona got the job done in its conference’s tournament, as the Gaels topped the MAAC tourney with a resounding 76-55 win in the finals over the Marist Red Foxes last Saturday. Rick Pitino’s team was nearly untouchable in the MAAC and it showed in the conference tournament where the Gaels won each game by at least 12 points. With Pitino at the helm, it is clear that Iona is getting excellent coaching from someone who’s got great experience. No wonder the Gaels finished the regular season No. 1 in the MAAC in both adjusted offensive efficiency (112.0) and adjusted defensive efficiency (93.9). The discipline of the team is also very much reflected by the fact that it is 17th in the nation with just a 13.1 turnover rate.
Iona is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10 games.
Writer’s Prediction
UConn wins, 74-70.
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