Oklahoma Sooners vs Connecticut Huskies Pick – 3/21/2025

The NCAA Tournament's first round brings an exciting matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and the UConn Huskies. Set to tip off at 9:25 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, this game features two teams with contrasting styles and recent performances.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. UConn Huskies Game Preview

The Oklahoma Sooners enter the tournament with a 20-13 record, having faced challenges in the latter part of the season. They concluded the regular season with seven losses in their final ten games but showed resilience by defeating Missouri and Texas before the SEC tournament. In the conference tournament, they secured a win against Georgia before narrowly falling to Kentucky with a score of 85-84. The Sooners' offense averages 78.8 points per game, ranking 62nd nationally, while their defense allows 74.8 points per game, placing them 267th. Key players include Jeremiah Fears, who leads with 17.0 points and 4.1 assists per game, and Jalon Moore, contributing 16.0 points and a team-high 5.8 rebounds per game.

On the other side, the UConn Huskies, with a 23-10 record, have demonstrated strong form, especially in the latter part of the season. They finished the regular season with four consecutive victories over Georgetown, Providence, Marquette, and Seton Hall. As the No. 3 seed in the Big East tournament, they defeated Villanova in the quarterfinals before falling to Creighton in the semifinals. UConn's offense averages 77.4 points per game, ranking 88th nationally, and their defense allows 68.0 points per game, placing them 63rd. Notable players include Solo Ball, leading with 14.6 points per game, and Liam McNeeley, contributing 14.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, UConn is favored by 5.5 points, with the over/under set at 147.5 points. The Huskies have a strong track record in neutral court games, boasting a 24-6 record against the spread (ATS). They have also performed well against SEC opponents, holding a 5-0 ATS record. Conversely, Oklahoma has covered the spread in each of their last seven games, indicating a strong recent performance against expectations. The Sooners have also seen the total go over in six of their last seven games, suggesting a trend towards higher-scoring contests.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. UConn Huskies Prediction

This matchup presents a classic contrast between Oklahoma's high-powered offense and UConn's disciplined defense. The Sooners' ability to score is evident, but their defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited by the Huskies' balanced attack. UConn's experience, especially as back-to-back national champions, provides them with a significant edge in high-pressure situations. Additionally, their recent form and defensive prowess suggest they can control the game's tempo and limit Oklahoma's scoring opportunities.

Considering these factors, the prediction leans towards UConn securing the victory and covering the spread. The Huskies' ability to dictate the pace and their defensive strength are likely to be decisive. Therefore, the recommended pick is UConn to win and cover the 5.5-point spread.