Marquette Golden Eagles (19-5) vs. UConn Huskies (22-2)
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. UConn Huskies 2/17/24 – As the NCAA Men’s Basketball season heats up, a premier matchup is on the horizon with the Marquette Golden Eagles facing off against the UConn Huskies. Slated for Saturday, this game promises to be a pivotal showdown. Fans and bettors alike are on the lookout for no-cost NCAAB selections, as both teams have shown exceptional form this season, setting the stage for an electrifying encounter.
The Marquette Golden Eagles are averaging 78.8 points per game this season on 47.9% shooting. They are securing 33.3 rebounds and dishing 16.5 assists per contest as well. Defensively, Marquette is forcing 8.8 steals and 3 blocks per game. The Golden Eagles have committed 10.3 turnovers per outing.
The UConn Huskies are scoring 81.3 points per matchup on 49.8% from the field. They are hauling in 38 rebounds and tallying 17.9 assists per game. On the defensive side, UConn is managing 6.4 steals and 5.4 blocks per contest. The Huskies have turned it over 10.3 times per game on average.
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. UConn Huskies 2/17/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 3:00 PM ET |
| Where: | XL Center |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Tyler Kolek (Guard) vs. Cam Spencer (Guard)
Tyler Kolek has been the catalyst for Marquette’s success this season. In 24 games, the junior guard has averaged 16.1 points, 5 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. Kolek takes care of the ball but can be prone to bad shooting nights on occasion. He will need to avoid foul trouble and facilitate the Marquette offense against UConn’s stifling defense.
For the Huskies, Cam Spencer directs the offense from his guard spot. On the year, the junior is posting 15.3 points, 4.6 boards and 3.4 assists per contest on 48.8% shooting. An efficient shooter, Spencer rarely turns it over or takes bad shots. His main weakness is on the defensive end against quicker guards. In this matchup, expect Spencer to try locking down Kolek.
With two excellent point guards going head to head, this individual battle could determine the outcome on Saturday. If Kolek gets loose, Marquette has the firepower to hang around. But if Spencer neutralizes him, UConn likely cruises.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game have yet to be determined, but based on the teams’ performances and betting trends, it’s expected to be closely contested. Insights or recommendations on the point spread will hinge on the announced odds, considering both teams’ recent form and head-to-head matchups.
Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Trends
The Golden Eagles are 5-0 against the spread (ATS) over their last 5 contests. In road games this season, Marquette is 6-4 ATS. The over has hit in just 2 of the Golden Eagles’ previous 5 matchups. However, 6 of their last 14 home games have gone over the total.
UConn Huskies Betting Trends
UConn is 3-2 ATS over their last 5 games. In road games, the Huskies are 7-3 ATS this season. The over is 3-2 in UConn’s last 5 matchups. For the season, a robust 9 of the Huskies’ 14 games at home have gone over the posted total.
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. UConn Huskies 2/17/24 Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and betting trends, this game is shaping up to be a nail-biter. Both teams have displayed consistency and depth, making it a tough call. However, given UConn’s slight edge in scoring and defensive stats, they might have a marginal advantage in this matchup.
When it comes to premium picks and insights, the better bet might lean slightly towards UConn, especially if playing at home in the XL Center gives them the boost they need. Prop bets on key players like Kolek and Spencer to hit their averages could offer value, given their importance to their respective teams. The over/under will depend on the total set, but with both teams showing a tendency to score, the over might be worth considering.
Free Pick and Prediction: UConn Huskies 78, Marquette Golden Eagles 74.