The Connecticut Huskies (7-4) look to put an end to the eight-game winning streak of Auburn when they head to Auburn Arena to clash with the Tigers (10-1). Action begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN2.
Connecticut Huskies vs. Auburn Tigers ATS Preview
In the Huskies last contest, they were beaten by the No. 18 Arizona Wildcats, 73-58. With 18 points on 7-for-15 shooting, Terry Larrier was Connecticut’s leading scorer. Arizona did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (14-19; 73.7 percent). Connecticut, on the other hand, held the Wildcats to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.9 (below their season average of 32.9).
The Tigers come in on a high note after topping the Murray State Racers in their last outing, 81-77. Auburn rallied around DeSean Murray, who led the team in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-14 shooting. The Tigers held the Racers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.442 (below their season average of 0.577). The Racers had a free throw rate of 0.232 (below their season average of 0.274).
Auburn appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Tigers rank 34th in offensive efficiency, while Connecticut ranks 167th in defensive efficiency.
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Huskies, it’s been Christian Vital, who has averaged 16.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals, while the Tigers have received solid contributions from Jared Harper (13.0 points and 5.6 assists).
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams, after the Tigers won the lone game last season, 70-67. Auburn out-rebounded Connecticut. The Tigers had more offensive rebounds (19 vs. 13) and total rebounds (51 vs. 46).
Connecticut Huskies vs. Auburn Tigers ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Auburn, ATS Winner – Auburn, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Tigers rank 14th in rebounds per game (41.3) while 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).
- 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).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tigers average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.2, down from 13.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (0.0 below their season average).
