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Gonzaga vs. UConn Prediction, Expert Picks & Odds Tonight

Mike Spector

Last Updated: December 14, 2024 9:19 AM EST • 3 min 11 sec read.

Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike reacts as we make our Gonzaga vs. UConn predictions ahead of tonight's game at Madison Square Garden.
Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike (13) reacts. Photo by Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are favored over the UConn Huskies in tonight's huge non-conference matchup at Madison Square Garden as part of the Hall of Fame Series.

  • This is one of two games on Saturday’s slate between AP top-18 opponents
  • UConn has won three straight games since going 0-3 at the Maui Invitational
  • Gonzaga lost to Kentucky in overtime in its last game after blowing an 18-point lead

Our Gonzaga vs. Uconn prediction expects the Bulldogs not to be fazed by the partisan Huskies crowd, en route to a neutral-site cover of a 1.5-point spread at the best sports betting sites. Tip-off from Madison Square Garden is set for 8 p.m. ET (FOX).

Tonight's best Gonzaga vs. UConn picks

College basketball picks based on the odds from our best March Madness betting sites. Odds subject to change.

Gonzaga vs. UConn ATS prediction

Gonzaga to cover the spread: -1.5 ⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -110 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 52.38%

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Forget the perceived home-court advantage

UConn faithful have dubbed Madison Square Garden “Storrs South” after going 7-0 in that building last year en route to its second consecutive national title. But the decisive home-court advantage at a neutral site would be the only factor having me lean UConn's way against a talented Gonzaga team.

Huskies still have defensive issues

I am not sold that the Huskies have turned the corner defensively after holding Texas to 65 points on the road in their last game. Prior to that, between its three Maui Invitational games and a home game against Baylor, UConn allowed at least 1.20 points per possession in each contest.

The fact it allowed Baylor to shoot 55.3% from inside the arc while playing without star freshman VJ Edgecombe is concerning, and losing Jeremy Roach to injury after 23 minutes is worrying.

Gonzaga is the best offensive team UConn has faced this season, ranking second in adjusted offensive efficiency and turning the ball over at the second-lowest rate in the country. The Bulldogs have covered two of three games against ranked opponents this season, and I expect them to cover the spread again, even though the crowd will be decisively against them.

Gonzaga backers are getting the best value at DraftKings, as FanDuel is one point higher at -2.5.

Gonzaga vs. UConn best pick

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Ryan Nembhard Over 18.5 points and assists ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -125 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 55.56%

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UConn has been prone all season to dribble penetration. That is a big reason it had success defending Texas last game, as none of the Longhorns' guards (Jordan Pope, Tre Johnson, Chendall Weaver, or Julian Larry) had averaged higher than a 25% attempt rate at the rim before that game, per hoop-math.

However, Ryan Nembhard breaks down opposing defenses and attacks the rim with reckless abandon. He has combined for 19 points and assists in four consecutive games, and should do so again when facing a Huskies defense that has yet to gel.

A $10 winning wager at FanDuel’s -125 odds would profit $8.

Live Gonzaga vs. UConn odds

See all of this week's college basketball odds and NCAAB scores.

Gonzaga vs. UConn opening odds

  • Spread: Gonzaga -1.5 (-110 via DraftKings) | UConn +1.5 (-110 via DraftKings)
  • Over/Under: Over 151.5 (-108 via DraftKings) | Under 151.5 (-108 via DraftKings)
  • Moneyline: Gonzaga -142 via FanDuel | UConn +118 via FanDuel

Gonzaga vs. UConn injuries

Gonzaga vs. UConn game info

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 14
  • Tip-off: 8 p.m. ET
  • Where: Madison Square Garden (New York)
  • How to watch: FOX
  • Favorite: Gonzaga -1.5 (-110 via DraftKings)

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Written By:
Mike Spector
Mike started in the sports writing industry in July 2019, and gained a lot of followers in his first year after finishing with the No. 2 overall record in an annual NFL betting competition, which made picks against the spread, and from an Over/Under and moneyline perspective. Mike is an avid fan of the NFL, MLB, tennis, and all college sports. In his opinion, March Madness is the best sporting event there is, and he's especially euphoric starting with conference tournament time in college basketball. Mike's a big advocate of "fading the public" and making plays that are contrarian, constantly citing that "there are reasons why they have those big shiny buildings in Las Vegas." When making wagers, Mike always scours the best odds at all of the major sports betting sites, where he mostly sifts through DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365. He's tried several others and is of the firm belief that bettors should not just stick to one sportsbook, as there is always likely better value to be had with the same wager. In addition, while Mike received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University, he has no issue betting against the Wildcats when it comes to college basketball wagering, and suggests other bettors should always put their “head” before their “hearts.”