March Madness 2024 predictions: Can UConn win back-to-back titles?

Despite a series of surprises and underdog triumphs in this year's March Madness, the climax will see two top seeds, the Connecticut Huskies and the Purdue Boilermakers, vying for glory.

This season, the Boilermakers have compiled a remarkable 34-4 record, with two of these defeats occurring in overtime. They've sailed through the NCAA Tournament with five consecutive victories, boasting an average winning margin of 19.6 points. Purdue's towering 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey has been a force to reckon with, averaging 28.0 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game during the tournament.

On the other hand, Connecticut, as the reigning champions, is on a 12-game winning spree, with victories by an average margin of 20.7 points. UConn presents a more diversified offensive strategy, highlighted by 7-foot-2 center Donovan Clingan's tournament averages of 16.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game.

The Huskies are the frontrunners for clinching their consecutive national title. Will Purdue manage to cause an upset?

TOP MONEY LINE WAGER

UConn isn't just winning; they're dominating their opponents. Their narrowest victories in the ongoing 12-game winning streak were a 5-point triumph over St. John’s in the Big East Tournament and a 7-point victory against the eighth-seeded Marquette. This consistent performance makes it hard to bet against the current champions.

Despite Purdue securing 11 wins in their last 12 outings, many of these victories have been with a slender margin, including an overtime defeat to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.

The odds are high for UConn as the Money Line favourite, but their exceptional form justifies their position.

Connecticut ML (-290*)

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PRIME HANDICAP WAGER

UConn's ability to not only win but also to significantly extend their lead towards the game's end is notable. Facing Alabama in the Final Four, the scores were tied at 56, but UConn surged ahead 30-16 in the final stretch, securing a comfortable win.

Purdue faced no real challenge from North Carolina State in their semifinal, leading by six at halftime and widening that gap in the second half for a 13-point victory.

These teams are formidable and will be the toughest challenge each has faced. However, Connecticut's track record suggests they might pull ahead in the final stages.

Connecticut -7 (+101*)

BEST OVERALL BET

Purdue often participates in high-scoring matches, with nine of their last 15 games exceeding the championship game's total score of 145. Nonetheless, the totals have been lower in three of Purdue’s five tournament matches, including the last two.

UConn’s game against Alabama, one of the top offensive teams, was fast-paced, but it remains their only tournament game to surpass a total of 145.

With both teams featuring dominant centers, a defensive showdown is anticipated, pointing towards a lower scoring game.

Purdue - Connecticut Under 145 (-112*)

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BEST PLAYER PROP BET

UConn’s senior guard Tristen Newton, averaging 14.9 points per game this season, has hit a rough patch recently. Over his last 10 games, Newton has scored an average of 14.0 points while shooting 42.3% from the field and 32.8% from beyond the arc.

He's been restricted to 15 points or fewer in seven out of these 10 games. Particularly in the Elite Eight against Illinois, Newton only scored five points, missing all six field goal attempts.

Facing Purdue, ranked 12th in adjusted defensive efficiency, Newton will encounter a tough challenge, making the Under a sensible bet.

Tristen Newton Under 15.5 points (-120*)

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