Oklahoma vs. UConn March Madness Preview and Prediction
In the No. 9 vs. No. 8 matchup in the NCAA Tournament West Region, the Oklahoma Sooners face the UConn Huskies in first-round action.
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How to Watch Oklahoma vs. UConn
When: 9:25 p.m. ET on Friday, March 21st
Where: Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina
Watch: TNT
Odds for Oklahoma vs. UConn
(odds current at time of publish)
Spread: UConn -4.5 (-112), Oklahoma +4.5 (-108)
Total: Over 147.5 (-110), Under 147.5 (-110)
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Oklahoma vs. UConn Preview & Prediction
UConn enters the NCAA Tournament as the defending two-time National Champion, but this year’s team isn’t quite the juggernaut we’ve seen in recent seasons. The Huskies have been a dominant force in the tournament over the past two years, winning all 12 of their NCAA games by an average margin of 21.7 points, with their smallest victory coming by 13 points.
Head coach Dan Hurley has yet to recapture the seamless dominance of his previous squads, but UConn still remains a very solid team. They are ranked in the top 20 for both 2-point offense and defense, and while their perimeter defense isn’t as airtight as it once was, the Huskies remain formidable on the glass and have managed to mitigate defensive struggles by forcing opponents off the 3-point line. With freshman Liam McNeeley alongside Alex Karaban, UConn remains a team capable of going deep in the tournament, but they’ll need to find their rhythm again to stay on track for a third straight title.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, comes into the tournament as something of a surprise. Despite finishing just 6-12 in SEC play, the Sooners’ tough schedule and solid metrics earned them a spot in the field. Oklahoma’s 7-11 record in Quadrant 1 games, including five wins in Quadrant 1-A games, showcases the strength of their competition and some of their wins. Their offensive efficiency ranks just outside the top 30, with a 37% mark from 3-point range and nearly 55% shooting on 2-point attempts. However, their defense leaves much to be desired, particularly against 2-point shots, where they rank poorly and struggle with rim protection. The Sooners also have a glaring weakness in terms of rebounding, which could prove problematic against a team like UConn that excels in both areas.
UConn’s strengths in rim protection and rebounding could overwhelm Oklahoma in this matchup. The Huskies are nearly 11% better at defending Close Two shot attempts, and their dominance on the glass gives them a major edge. Oklahoma’s offense might keep things interesting, but their lack of defensive presence inside and on the boards will likely prove too much to overcome. UConn’s experience and size should allow them to advance past the Sooners and face Florida in the next round.
Estimated Score: UConn 76, Oklahoma 73
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