The Connecticut Huskies and Saint Mary’s Gaels punched their tickets to the Round of 32 in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
UConn opened as 3.5-point favorites after beating Iona 87-63 on Friday, while the underdog Gaels took down VCU 63-51.
Read on for my UConn vs Saint Mary’s predictions and best bets for Sunday’s showdown, which will see the winner earn a spot in the Sweet 16.
Matthew De Saro’s March Madness Betting Record: 1-1 (+1 Unit)
UConn vs Saint Mary’s Odds
Note: CBB odds mentioned in this article for UConn vs Saint Mary’s were used from DraftKings Sportsbook, unless otherwise noted, and are current as of 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17.
- Moneyline: UConn (-170) • Saint Mary’s (+145)
- Spread: UConn -3.5 (-110) • Saint Mary’s +3.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 129.5 (-110) • Under 129.5 (-110)
UConn vs Saint Mary’s Pick of the Day
Keep reading for more UConn vs Saint Mary’s betting tips.
UConn vs Saint Mary’s Prediction
UConn 70, Saint Mary’s 66
Saint Mary’s defense is scary good, but I expect them to get beat up in transition and down low against UConn.
The Huskies have the roster to push the pace to the point where the Gaels’ defense falters, and their offense won’t be able to keep up.
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UConn vs Saint Mary’s Best Bets
UConn -3.5 (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Gaels are a defensive-minded team, but their shooting percentage leaves much to be desired.
I expect UConn to overwhelm Saint Mary’s in the paint and in transition en route to an outright win and cover.
Over 129.5 Total Points (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Despite two top-20 defenses going head to head, the pair combine for an average of 149.8 points per game.
The bookmakers set the total low, and I think it’s the perfect opportunity to exploit the line.
UConn vs Saint Mary’s Same Game Parlay
UConn vs Saint Mary’s SGP (+210) • BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
- UConn Over 69.5 Points (-145)
- Over 132.5 Total Points (-120)
Both teams play stifling defense, but only the Huskies have the capability to go on a big scoring run.
The Gaels will try to slow UConn’s offense, but I expect the Huskies to come out of the gate hot and push the pace for the entire game.
UConn vs Saint Mary’s Props
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