Texas vs. UConn Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Dec. 12

My Texas vs. UConn prediction tabs the Huskies to continue their momentum when the two teams clash at 8 p.m. ET on Friday at the PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Conn. (FOX).

No. 5 UConn (9-1) is a 14.5-point favorite against a Texas (7-3) team that hasn’t played as the visitor this year. The Huskies should dominate the Longhorns tonight, which is why I like the Over.

✅ Texas vs. UConn predictions

🏀 Texas vs. UConn best bet & score prediction

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Over 145.5 (-108) ⭐⭐⭐

If UConn can clear 80 points, I like the chances of this game finishing Over the full-game total of 145.5. At DraftKings, the -108 price tag provides an opportunity to win $9.26 on a $10 bet.

Fortunately for the Huskies and this Over, the Longhorns’ defense has been atrocious when facing real competition this season.

How bad is Texas’ defense?

On the surface, the Longhorns’ defense doesn’t look that bad. They rank 93rd in adjusted defensive efficiency, which can be attributed to their poor defensive 3-point percentage. Opposing teams are shooting 36.3% from deep, ranking 284th nationally.

But Texas hasn’t been remotely ready to execute stops against high-major programs. The Longhorns allowed 88 points to Virginia, 97 to NC State, 86 to Arizona State, and 75 to Duke. That’s an average of 86.4 points per game allowed.

Texas also doesn’t generate turnovers, ranking 326th in defensive turnover rate.

This is a recipe for disaster in a road game against a fully healthy Huskies team. UConn is eighth in adjusted offensive efficiency and will benefit from better looks all over the floor.

UConn’s team total is 80.5 on Friday, which suggests a path to this Over is plausible.

Score prediction: UConn 81, Texas 68

🆚 Texas vs. UConn matchup to watch

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Alex Karaban vs. Texas’ 3-point defense

Sure, Texas likely isn’t this bad at defending the three-ball, as there is probably an element of luck to the shooting percentage. However, the 3-point rate allowed (33.9%, 40th in the nation) is more significant. The Longhorns are surrendering a lot of shots from distance.

UConn’s Alex Karaban will be more than happy to get his attempts up from long range. He’s hit 20 triples in 10 games thus far, knocking down multiple 3-pointers in six different outings.

FanDuel is charging -152 for Over 1.5 3-pointers on Friday. That should highlight the bargain at BetMGM, earning $9.09 on a $10 bet.

Our Mike Spector fades two players from this matchup, including Karaban, in his college basketball best bets and player props today.

Best prop bet: Alex Karaban Over 1.5 3-pointers (-110 via BetMGM)

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🎟️ Texas vs. UConn betting insights

Here are some Texas vs. UConn betting insights in the hours before tipoff.

📺 How to watch Texas vs. UConn

• Date: Friday, Dec. 12
• Tipoff: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: PeoplesBank Arena (Hartford, Conn.)
• TV: FOX