The UConn Huskies have been dominating opponents throughout the NCAA Tournament, and their success can be attributed to point forward Andre Jackson Jr. Jackson has been the driving force behind UConn’s offense, averaging 4.7 assists per game this season. Since the start of March, he has upped his assists per game to 6.6, showcasing his ability to facilitate the offense effectively.
In a recent game against Gonzaga, Jackson recorded 10 assists without a single turnover. This performance is a testament to his playmaking skills and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. With his exceptional passing ability, Jackson has become the primary facilitator for the Huskies, dispelling any doubts about UConn’s lack of a true lead guard.
In the upcoming matchup against the Miami Hurricanes, Jackson is expected to have another strong performance. Miami has struggled defensively throughout the season, ranking 104th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Their inability to defend effectively has led to opponents recording an average of 14.4 assists per game against them. This weakness plays into Jackson’s strengths, as he excels at distributing the ball and finding open teammates.
Based on these factors, my best bet for this game is to take Andre Jackson Over 5.5 assists. With his recent performances and Miami’s vulnerable defense, Jackson should have no trouble surpassing this assist total (-115 at bet365).
In terms of the overall spread, the Huskies are heavily favored to win this matchup. They have been dominating opponents in the NCAA Tournament, winning every game by at least 15 points. UConn has a strong offensive and defensive game, ranking third in adjusted offensive efficiency and 11th in adjusted defensive efficiency.
On the other hand, Miami has also had a successful tournament, knocking off top-seeded Houston in the Sweet 16. However, their defense has been a weak point, ranking 104th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Additionally, UConn has the advantage in terms of individual player matchups, with guard Jordan Hawkins and big man Adama Sanogo posing significant challenges for Miami.
Considering these factors, it is likely that UConn will cover the spread and come away with a comfortable victory. As for the over/under, both teams have shown the ability to score efficiently, with UConn ranking third in adjusted offensive efficiency and Miami ranking fifth. While UConn’s defense is strong, they have been involved in high-scoring games against fast-paced teams in the past.
Miami’s ability to score and UConn’s offensive firepower should lead to a relatively high-scoring game. Therefore, I would lean towards taking the over in this matchup, despite the Huskies’ stingy defense.
It is worth noting that the Under has hit in six of Miami’s last eight games against teams with a winning record and in UConn’s previous seven games against opponents with a winning record. However, given the offensive capabilities of both teams and their recent performances, I believe the over is the safer bet in this case.
In conclusion, the UConn Huskies, led by point forward Andre Jackson Jr., are well-positioned to secure a victory against the Miami Hurricanes in the Final Four. Jackson’s playmaking abilities and Miami’s vulnerable defense make him a strong bet to surpass his assist total. Additionally, UConn’s dominance throughout the NCAA Tournament and their offensive firepower should lead to a comfortable win and a relatively high-scoring game.