Two undefeated squads collide in the opening round of the Maui Invitational when the Memphis Tigers take on the UConn Huskies.
The defending national champion Huskies are nine-point favorites but our Memphis vs. UConn prediction is eyeing the Under on the game total as opposed to either side.
I dig deeper with my college basketball picks for Monday, November 25 at the Lahaina Civic Center at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Memphis vs UConn prediction
My best bet
Under 150.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Connecticut Huskies own the 363rd-ranked strength of schedule on KenPom, with only Iowa State owning a softer start.
UConn has held each opponent to 56 points or fewer, with 35 points the smallest margin of victory so far — but you’ve likely never heard of these schools unless you attended them. They’ve dusted Sacred Heart, New Hampshire, and Le Moyne before throttling East Texas A&M 81-46.
However, they shot an abysmal 7-for-24 from 3-point range (29.2%) and turned the ball over 19 times. Not how you want to play heading into your first real test of the season.
While the Memphis Tigers don't have a win over a ranked opponent, they're at least a legit Div I program that registers on the radar.
They’ve knocked off Missouri, the 45th-ranked team at KenPom, UNLV (91st), and most recently dispatched of San Francisco (57th) in a tight 68-64 affair.
On the year, the Tigers are putting up 81.2 points per game, hitting at a crisp 47.5% from the field. It’s no surprise that Memphis has only one win by double digits.
While it's college basketball’s best 3-point shooting team at a rate of 45.9%, Memphis is attempting only 18.5 per game, a lowly 334th in the nation.
Still, it’s a weapon the Tigers should be deploying more to test a Huskies defense that has allowed opponents to shoot just 27.3% from distance.
While most teams would be considered questionable after facing UConn's slate, its body of work under Danny Hurley is undeniable.
The Huskies are riding the nation’s longest winning streak at 17, and they should find their focus as the competition rises.
While Memphis has played a tougher schedule, it's also leveling up to face championship-caliber opposition and the best defense it's seen yet, and its shooting splits won’t be so crisp.
It should add up to a Huskies win, but I’m a little wary of the spread. Let’s stick to the total, where UConn has yet to cash an Over this season.
Memphis vs UConn same-game parlay
Under 150.5
Alex Karaban Over 14.5 points
PJ Haggerty Over 1.5 threes
It was a light night for Alex Karaban against East Texas A&M, as he attempted just five shots from the field, finishing with 11 points.
It was the first time this season he wasn’t UConn’s leading scorer, but as one of just three players from the back-to-back championship rosters, he should feature prominently against Memphis.
Karaban’s scoring line is set at 14.5, a number he’s crossed when he’s taken at least eight field-goal attempts overall, and at least six from distance — figures he should be near Monday.
Memphis guard PJ Haggerty is the Tigers’ leading scorer, putting up 22.5 points per game, and he’s hitting a sharp 50% of his threes on 3.5 attempts.
He’s hit at least two triples in each of his last two games. I like him carrying his hot shooting into this marquee matchup.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game CBB moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your school goes up by 18+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Memphis vs UConn odds
Memphis vs UConn live odds
Memphis vs UConn opening odds
- Spread: Memphis +9.5 (-110) | UConn -9.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Memphis +325 | UConn -425
- Over/Under: Over 152.5 (-110) | Under 152.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Memphis vs UConn betting trend to know
Connecticut has won 23 straight against unranked opponents. Find more college basketball betting trends for Memphis vs. UConn.
How to watch Memphis vs UConn
| Location: | Lahaina Civic Center, Maui, HI |
| Date: | Monday, 11-25-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 2:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN2 |
Memphis vs UConn key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
