Connecticut vs Texas Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/8/24

The Connecticut Huskies are visiting the Texas Longhorns on Sunday, December 8th at the Moody Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Connecticut Huskies vs Texas Longhorns Prediction.

Texas Longhorns Preview

The Texas Longhorns have a 7-1 record this season and are coming off a 63-59 win over North Carolina State. The Longhorns are 4-4 against the spread, and 3-5 in over/under, while they have a 4-0 home record. 

Offensively, Texas is averaging 80.8 points per game, which is 80th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 61.4 points per game (18th). The Longhorns shoot with 50% from the field (21st), and with 36.9% from beyond the arc (73rd). The Longhorns shoot with 71.3% from the free-throw line (177th), and are grabbing 37.3 rebounds per game (157th).

Tre Johnson leads Texas in scoring with an average of 20.8 points, while Arthur Kaluma adds 13.6 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds.

Connecticut Huskies Preview

The Connecticut Huskies have a 6-3 record this season and are coming off a 76-72 win over Baylor. The Huskies are 5-4 against the spread, and 5-4 in over/under, while playing their first road game of the season. 

Offensively, Connecticut is averaging 85.1 points per game, which is 25th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 64.2 points per game (36th). The Huskies shoot with 50.3% from the field (18th), and with 36% from beyond the arc (96th). The Huskies shoot with 76.8% from the free-throw line (40th), and are grabbing 37.3 rebounds per game (152nd).

Liam McNeeley leads Connecticut in scoring with an average of 13 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Solomon Ball adds 12.6 points.

Why the Texas Longhorns will win

• Texas has won each of its last eight games at Moody Center.
• Connecticut has lost three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Texas has won the first half in each of its last 15 games against non-Conference opponents at Moody Center.

Why the Connecticut Huskies will win

• Connecticut has won each of its last 10 Sunday games against non-Conference opponents.
• Texas has lost seven of its last eight games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Connecticut has won the first half in each of its last 10 Sunday games against non-Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Texas’ last six day games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 143+ points.
• Each of Connecticut’s last six day games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 143+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Texas ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (63.9%).
• Texas ranks T15th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.4).
• Connecticut ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (7.3).
• Connecticut ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (127.9).

Connecticut Huskies vs Texas Longhorns Prediction

Connecticut is 4-1 in their previous meetings against Texas, and are 4-1 against the spread. In their most recent meeting last season, Connecticut won 81-71 on the road. In this Connecticut Huskies vs Texas Longhorns Prediction, Texas is coming as -1 home favorites. Texas is better offensively, scoring 4.3 points more than Connecticut, while Connecticut is better defensively, allowing 2.8 points less. Both teams have elite shooting percentages, as they both rank in the top-20 of the nation in field goal percentage. This is going to be a very exciting and close game, and I think the home court advantage will be the decisive factor, as Texas has been perfect at home this season. Take the Texas Longhorns and lay the points at home.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Texas Longhorns -1