College Basketball Odds, Pick for Marquette vs UConn

The Marquette Golden Eagles have been on a hot streak lately, winning eight games in a row and finally finding their offensive rhythm.

On Saturday, they face off against the UConn Huskies in Saturday's game of the day.

Dan Hurley's Huskies have played exceptionally well, even surviving a few games without Alex Karaban at full strength. Now they're in top form heading into March.

This is the first matchup between the Golden Eagles and Huskies, with another game scheduled later this month.

Shaka Smart's team has finally found its groove, winning eight games in a row. This winning streak is thanks in large part to star point guard Tyler Kolek, who's averaged over 26 points per game during the run. Early in the season, Kolek was hesitant to take on the offensive load, but now he's leading the charge.

However, the Golden Eagles are up against a formidable opponent. While they've been performing at a high level offensively and defensively, they must rely on their 3-pointers to keep up with the Huskies.

UConn has an impressive defense, especially when it comes to 2-point percentages, so Marquette must keep up with the tempo if it wants to stand a chance. Despite the Golden Eagles' strong defense, the Huskies have too many offensive weapons to contain.

While the Golden Eagles have been impressive during their eight-game-winning streak, the Huskies are the better team.

Ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll, the Huskies are a force to be reckoned with. They excel in almost every aspect of the game.

Ranking third in offensive efficiency and effective field goal percentage, UConn is a versatile offensive team with shooters like Karaban, Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton.

The Golden Eagles' perimeter defense is lacking, which plays into the Huskies' favor. Additionally, Donovan Clingan has a significant matchup advantage in this game, with the potential to score in bunches inside against the Golden Eagles' defense. Clingan's defense is also crucial, as Marquette struggles with interior scoring.

The Huskies' 3-point shooting and overall offensive firepower simply make them too strong of a team to lose at home.

UConn is an impressive team with numerous offensive weapons, making it capable of winning regardless of the style of play. While the Golden Eagles may put up a fight, the Huskies are likely to come out on top.

While I'm optimistic about the top-ranked Huskies, I'm hesitant to back them in this spot. Instead, it would be wiser to pursue a different strategy, as the Golden Eagles could still surprise us with a late-game comeback.

Although I anticipate a win for UConn, both teams will put on an impressive offensive display. If Marquette hopes to win, it must speed up the game's pace and create more scoring opportunities.

Therefore, it's best to bet on the total before it increases. While Hurley's team is likely to win, the Golden Eagles will put up a fight.

Pick: Over 147.5 (Play to 150)