The Marquette Golden Eagles take on the UConn Huskies in Storrs, CT. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on NBC.
UConn is favored by 20.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -4500. The total is set at 145.5 points.
Here’s my Marquette vs. UConn predictions and college basketball picks for January 4, 2026.
Marquette vs UConn Prediction
My Pick: UConn -20.5
My Marquette vs UConn best bet is on the Huskies to cover the spread. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Marquette vs. UConn Odds
| Marquette Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+20.5 -104 | 145.5 -110o / -110u | +2000 |
| UConn Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-20.5 -118 | 145.5 -110o / -110u | -4500 |
- Marquette vs UConn spread: UConn -20.5
- Marquette vs UConn over/under: 145 points
- Marquette vs UConn moneyline: Marquette +2000, UConn -4500
Marquette vs UConn College Basketball Betting Preview
Marquette Basketball
The Golden Eagles' season has gone off the rails in the midst of a five-game losing streak. They've lost six of their last seven games.
The metrics don’t tell the full story, considering they rank in the top third in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, via KenPom.
The caveat, at least offensively, has been their shooting. They rank 294th in effective field goal percentage (47.3%).
They actually do a really good job at creating turnovers, which allows them to get out into transition, which is where they excel.
When games get bogged down to the half-court, this Marquette team will struggle. Chase Ross averages 16 points per game, but he doesn’t get much help. The Golden Eagles' lack of a go-to second scoring threat is one of the biggest reasons they've struggled to close out games.
UConn Basketball
UConn has definitely started this season a lot better than it did in 2024-25. The chase for the three-peat looked like a long shot when it started last season 4-3, but in 2025-26, it has just one loss — a four-point defeat to the still-undefeated Arizona Wildcats — and zero losses at full strength.
The Huskies' defense has been the major reason for their improvement this season. In 2024-25, they ranked 75th in adjusted efficiency; this season, they rank third. Their offense has also been slightly more efficient, and that's led to a slew of lopsided victories.
While Marquette will struggle with finding multiple scoring threats, UConn counters with four players averaging double figures.
UConn will also play a different brand of basketball. While Marquette will look to push the pace, expect this game to be played at the tempo dictated by the home side Huskies, who rank 299th in adjusted tempo.
Marquette vs. UConn Betting Analysis
This spread seems to be a bit high, coming in at 20.5. But the Golden Eagles have lost by at least 19 points in four of their last five games.
And we also have zero limitations in backing the Huskies, who have back-to-back wins by at least 18 points. I like the angle since the Huskies and Golden Eagles are trending in opposite directions.
UConn typically jumps out to an early lead, and the Golden Eagles won't be able to claw back into the game if they find themselves down big early.
My Pick: UConn -20.5 (Play to -22)
