The UConn Huskies (11-10, 2-6 AAC) head to Tulsa to take on the Golden Hurricane (15-6, 7-1 AAC) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 6, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
UConn Huskies at Tulsa Golden Hurricane ATS Prediction
The last time the Huskies played, they were defeated by the Memphis Tigers, 70-63. One of Memphis’ largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 27 free throw attempts, while UConn had 16. Christian Vital was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
The Golden Hurricane barely escaped the No. 23 Wichita State Shockers in their last outing, 54-51. Tulsa’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Wichita State. The Golden Hurricane had a rate of 0.349 (above their season average of 0.259), while the Shockers posted a mark of 0.086 (below their season average of 0.266). Elijah Joiner was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Martins Igbanu scored a game-high 28 points in the first game, in which the Golden Hurricane topped the Huskies 79-75. He also had 10 rebounds. The Golden Hurricane made 24 of their 32 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.519 vs. 0.463).
Points could be at a premium as a pair of the nation’s top defenses face off. Tulsa currently ranks 43rd in defensive efficiency (92.7) and UConn is 41st (92.6).
UConn Huskies vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Free Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Tulsa, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
UConn ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (16.8) while Tulsa ranks 280th (26.6).
The Huskies rank second in blocks per game (6.6) while the Golden Hurricane rank 162nd (2.5).
Tulsa averages 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 53rd in the nation. UConn ranks 175th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
The Golden Hurricane rank 112th in rebounds per game (36.5) while the Huskies rank 188th in rebounds allowed per game (36.3).
The Huskies have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. For the season, UConn has defeated opponents by an average of 5.2 points.
During their last five games, the Golden Hurricane have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 53.8 points per game (9.8 below their season average).
