Furman Paladins vs Connecticut Huskies NCAAB Betting Pick & Prediction for 3/20

The NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament kicks off with an exciting first-round game between the Furman Paladins and the Connecticut Huskies. This game takes place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA, on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET. Fans can catch all the action on TBS.

Furman enters as the 15 seed after a 22-12 regular season, representing the Southern Conference. Their last postseason game saw them fall to North Texas. Connecticut, the 2 seed, comes from the Big East with a 29-5 record. Last year, they advanced to the second round before losing to Florida.

Furman Paladins vs Connecticut Huskies Game Day Info

  • Sport: College Basketball
  • Teams: Furman Paladins vs Connecticut Huskies
  • Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia PA
  • Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
  • Betting Odds: Furman Spread +20.5, Connecticut Spread -20.5, Furman MoneyLine +1768, Connecticut MoneyLine -5250, Over/Under 137.5

Furman Paladins Team Preview

The Furman Paladins have shown strong performances in their recent games. They defeated East Tennessee State with a score of 76-61. Cooper Bowser was a key player, scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

The Paladins also secured a win against UNCG Spartans, finishing 81-75. Alex Wilkins led the team with 34 points and 5 assists. Their shooting accuracy was notable, with a field goal percentage of 52.1%.

Against Samford Bulldogs, Furman won 86-81. Tom House scored 20 points with a field goal percentage of 62.5%. The team continues to display solid offensive skills, averaging 76.5 points per game this season.

Connecticut Huskies Team Preview

The Connecticut Huskies hold an impressive 29-5 record this season. They are ranked #7 in the AP poll and compete in the Big East Conference. Their recent games include a strong win against Georgetown with a 67-51 score at home.

On the offensive side, the Huskies average 77.5 points per game. They have a high field goal percentage of 48.2, ranking 37th. Their ability to assist is notable, with 18.4 assists per game, placing them 11th in this category.

Defensively, the Huskies average 6.9 steals and 5.3 blocks per game. Tarris Reed Jr. is a key player, with an average of 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. His field goal percentage stands at 62.5%, showcasing his effectiveness on the court.

BTB Betting Pick

For the spread pick, Connecticut is favored by 20.5 points. Furman scores 76.5 points per game, while Connecticut scores 77.5 points per game. Given Connecticut’s strong shooting and Furman’s weaker defense, Connecticut is likely to cover the -20.5 spread. The projected score is Connecticut 85, Furman 62.

For the over/under pick, the total is set at 137.5. Connecticut and Furman’s combined projected score is 147 points. With both teams having efficient offenses, the game is likely to go over 137.5. The recommendation is to take the over at 137.5.