WVU-UCONN Preview
The Connecticut Huskies are one of several teams fighting for a March Madness bid. They host the West Virginia Mountaineers on Big Monday. Here’s a preview from BroburySports.com.
Bet West Virginia vs. Connecticut
UConn is a 2 ½-point home ‘dog at Brobury. ESPN will broadcast at 7 pm ET, right before Oklahoma (+21 ½) at Kansas.
Connecticut (16-11 SU, 11-14 ATS) has played three games since the return of coach Jim Calhoun from his medical leave of absence. The first was an embarrassing home display against Cincinnati, losing 60-48 as seven-point favorites.
The last two were much improved starting with an 84-75 upset at Villanova last Monday. The bigger Huskies were 9 ½-point ‘dogs, but beat them up on the boards 36-26.
UConn followed that up with a 76-58 Saturday win at Rutgers as six-point ‘chalk.’ Jerome Dyson led the way with 20 points, but they’re getting a more balanced offensive effort overall. Rebounding was again key with a 39-32 advantage.
This is a must win for UConn as its 6-8 SU conference record needs to get back up to .500. That’s the first step in being considered for a tournament bid.
West Virginia has an unorthodox lineup
West Virginia (21-5 SU, 11-14 ATS) is ranked eighth in the country. The new poll comes out later today and they should improve after going 2-0 SU and ATS last week.
Those wins were at Providence (88-74) and home to Seton Hall (75-63). Seton Hall was a four-point game with three minutes left, but a late surge gave WVU the fortunate ‘cover’ as 11 ½-point favorites.
The Mountaineers start four forwards to go along with point guard Truck Bryant. That gives them the inside advantage over most teams.
However UConn, with five rotation players ranging from 6-foot-9 to 7-foot, is one of the few teams that won’t be overpowered in the paint. The battle of the boards will once again be very important.
This is the first meeting between the teams this year. UConn is 6-2 ATS in the last eight. The ‘over’ has gone 4-1 in the last five contests.
Bet on UConn and WVU at BroburySports.com!
Bet West Virginia vs. Connecticut
Posted: 2/22/10 11:50AM ET