The Connecticut Huskies (9-4) will be at the USF Sun Dome to square off against the South Florida Bulls (10-2) in an AAC matchup. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Connecticut Huskies vs. South Florida Bulls ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Bulls defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 80-63, while the Huskies beat the Morehead State Eagles 80-70.
Connecticut played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.4 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.8. For those same stats, Morehead State recorded marks of 19.9 and 32.5, respectively. South Florida, meanwhile, dominated every stat category in their game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.651 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5. Alabama A&M recorded marks of 0.510 and 31.3, respectively, for those same stats. South Florida was led by Laquincy Rideau, who put up eight points, 10 assists and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Josh Carlton was a key piece for Connecticut with 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Huskies won the only game between these two teams last year, 68-65. Connecticut’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over South Florida. The Huskies had a rate of 0.587 while the Bulls posted a mark of 0.418. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Jalen Adams and Alterique Gilbert have played at a high level over the last five games for Connecticut. Adams has averaged 0 points per game, while Gilbert has put up 0 points a game during that span.
This could end up being a mistake-prone game for the South Florida offense. South Florida ranks 336th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.7 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Connecticut forces the 27th-most turnovers in the NCAA (23.4 percent). Furthermore, the Huskies, who rank 42nd in offensive rebounding percentage (34.6 percent), will face a tough challenge against the Bulls, who rank 55th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.8 percent).
Connecticut Huskies vs. South Florida Bulls Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – South Florida, ATS Winner – South Florida, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Connecticut averages 5.2 blocks per game, which ranks 19th in the NCAA. South Florida ranks 132nd in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
- The Bulls average 14.3 assists per game, which ranks 76th in the NCAA. The Huskies rank 91st in assists allowed per game (12.6).
- The Huskies average 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 52nd in the country. The Bulls rank 142nd in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- South Florida averages 42.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 17th in the country. Connecticut ranks 105th in rebounds allowed per game (34.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.8 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
- The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, down from 9.9 for the season.
