The NCAA Tournament is here, and the matchup between No. 9 Oklahoma and No. 8 UConn is shaping up to be a must-watch clash. With a potential showdown against No. 1 seed Florida looming, both teams will be fighting with all they got. UConn enters as the defending champs, but their path to a repeat won’t be easy.
Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NCAA Basketball odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAA Tournament Pick: UConn -5.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Oklahoma Sooners vs. UConn Huskies
Friday, March 21, 2025 – 09:25 PM EDT at Lenovo Center
The Story So Far
Oklahoma earned its tournament spot by navigating a grueling schedule, showcasing an offense that ranks among the best in the nation.
The Sooners rely heavily on guard Jeremiah Fears, who leads the team with 17 points per game, while forward Jalen Moore provides additional scoring punch at 16 points per game. However, their struggles on defense and the glass could be an issue against a team as physical as UConn.
The Huskies may not be as dominant as in recent seasons, but they still boast an imposing defense and strong rebounding presence. Their scoring attack is well-balanced, with Solo Ball, Liam McNeeley, and Alex Karaban all averaging double figures. While their interior defense remains a strength, perimeter defense has been a concern—a weakness Oklahoma’s shooters could look to exploit.
Keys to the Game
The Sooners bring an explosive offensive attack, while the defending champion Huskies counter with their defensive intensity and rebounding strength. Both teams have weaknesses that could be exploited, making this a compelling matchup.
The Sooners have the firepower to keep pace with anyone, led by their dynamic backcourt. Fears has been the catalyst while Moore provides additional scoring. However, UConn’s defense thrives in the paint and will look to disrupt Oklahoma’s rhythm with physicality.
If the Sooners can push the pace and hit shots from the perimeter, they can force the Huskies into an uncomfortable tempo.
UConn may not be as dominant as last season, but they still possess a well-rounded offense. With Ball, McNeeley, and Karaban, the Huskies can score from multiple positions. This could pose problems for an Oklahoma defense that has struggled to string together stops.
If the Sooners can’t tighten up on the defensive end, UConn’s depth and balanced scoring could wear them down over 40 minutes.
One of Oklahoma’s biggest weaknesses is its rebounding, and that plays directly into UConn’s hands. The Huskies are one of the best rebounding teams in the field, and their ability to generate second-chance points could be a major factor. If Oklahoma can’t keep UConn off the glass, they may find themselves struggling to keep up as the game wears on.
Turnovers and transition play will be key. Oklahoma will look to push the ball and generate open looks before UConn’s defense can get set, but they must take care of the ball to avoid giving the Huskies easy scoring opportunities. UConn, on the other hand, must remain disciplined and avoid mistakes that could fuel Oklahoma’s fast-break attack.
NCAA Tournament Pick
This game is shaping up to be a battle of pace versus physicality. If Oklahoma can dictate the tempo and knock down perimeter shots, they have a chance to pull off the upset. However, UConn’s ability to dominate the boards and force Oklahoma into tough possessions will likely be the difference down the stretch.
The Sooners will come out firing and keep things close behind strong guard play, but UConn’s size and rebounding edge will take over late. Look for the Huskies to control the tempo in the final minutes, forcing Oklahoma into difficult shots while capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.
NCAA Tournament Pick: UConn -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
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