The Auburn Tigers (10-1) will try to continue their eight-game winning streak against the Connecticut Huskies (7-4) at Auburn Arena. The game starts at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23, 2017, and will air on ESPN2.
Connecticut Huskies vs. Auburn Tigers ATS Prediction
The last time the Huskies played, they were defeated by the No. 18 Arizona Wildcats, 73-58. Arizona’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Connecticut. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.280 (below their season average of 0.295), while the Huskies posted a mark of 0.167 (below their season average of 0.278). Terry Larrier was Connecticut’s high scorer with 18 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
The Tigers beat the Murray State Racers in their last outing, 81-77. Auburn’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Murray State. The Tigers had a rate of 0.516 (below their season average of 0.542), while the Racers posted a mark of 0.442 (below their season average of 0.577). DeSean Murray led Auburn in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The high-powered offense of Auburn will face off against the mid-tier defense of Connecticut. The Tigers currently rank 34th in offensive efficiency, while the Huskies are 167th in defensive efficiency. The Tigers should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Christian Vital (16.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals) has been great for the Huskies while Jared Harper (13.0 points and 5.6 assists) has contributed greatly to the Tigers.
After the Tigers won the lone game against the Huskies last season, 70-67, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Auburn’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Tigers had 19 offensive rebounds and 51 total rebounds, while the Huskies had 13 and 46, respectively.
Connecticut Huskies vs. Auburn Tigers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Connecticut, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Auburn ranks 87th in assists per game (15.1) while Connecticut ranks 239th (9.5).
The Huskies rank 47th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Tigers rank 168th (7.7).
Auburn averages 25.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 56th in the nation. Connecticut ranks 176th in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
The Tigers average 41.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 14th in the NCAA. The Huskies rank 134th in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
Auburn ranks seventh in blocks per game (6.5) while Connecticut ranks 111th (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Huskies’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.8, down from 1.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 80.2 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (3.2 below their season average).
