Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Connecticut Huskies NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/14/24

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Bulldogs versus the Huskies? Tip off is at at 8:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on FOX. The game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. Gonzaga is favored by -1.5 in this non-conference showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 153 points.

GONZAGA BULLDOGS VS CONNECTICUT HUSKIES BETTING PICK

The Pick: Connecticut Huskies +1.5

This game will be played at Madison Square Garden at 8:00 ET on Saturday, December 14th.

WHY BET THE CONNECTICUT HUSKIES:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 80-65 in favor of the Huskies.
• Not only will Connecticut pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +1.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 153 points, and we like the under with a projected 145 points.

Pressure Builds for Gonzaga as Away Favorites

Gonzaga Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

The Bulldogs fell to 7-2 on the season after a 90-89 road loss to Kentucky on Saturday. Gonzaga, who entered the game as 6-point favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 179 exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 166.5.

Gonzaga appeared to be in control after leading 50-34 at halftime, but they faltered in the second half, scoring just 29 points while allowing 45. The loss raises questions about their ability to close out games, especially on the road.

Gonzaga’s offense put up 89 points in their last game, shooting 46.5% from the field. They were dominant inside, hitting 61.4% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 6 of 27 threes (22.2%).

Graham Ike led the way with 28 points and 11 rebounds, while Andrew Carr added 19 points on 66.7% shooting. Ryan Nembhard contributed 13 points and 10 assists, and the Bulldogs grabbed 15 offensive rebounds as a team.

Gonzaga’s defense struggled, giving up 90 points on 45% shooting from the field. They allowed 54% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 27 of 50 shots.

From beyond the arc, Gonzaga held their opponent to 28% shooting, with just 7 made threes on 25 attempts. They also sent them to the line 18 times, where they converted 15 free throws at an 83% rate. Gonzaga gave up 16 offensive rebounds.

Can Connecticut Lock in a Home Win?

Connecticut improved to 7-3 on the season after a 76-65 road win over Texas on Sunday. The Huskies entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs and covered the spread with the win.

Connecticut jumped out to a 42-24 lead at halftime, but allowed 41 points in the 2nd half while scoring 34. The total points for the game ended at 141, which was right on the O/U line.

Connecticut’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, shooting 51.9% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc, with an effective field goal percentage of 59.3%. They also dished out 21 assists and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds, helping them to a 76-point performance.

Tre Johnson led the way with 24 points and 4 assists, while Alex Karaban added 21 points and 11 rebounds. Arthur Kaluma was also a key contributor, hitting 3 of 4 threes and finishing with 20 points and 9 rebounds.

Connecticut’s defense held their opponent to 65 points, allowing them to shoot 42% from the field. Inside the arc, they limited the opposition to 39% shooting, with just 13 made two-point baskets out of 33 attempts.

From three-point range, Connecticut’s defense gave up 8 threes on 17 attempts, a 47% shooting clip. They also sent the opponent to the free-throw line 24 times, where they converted 15 shots, shooting 62%. Connecticut allowed 7 offensive rebounds.