Let’s dive into Monday’s National Championship betting predictions, odds, picks and more, including our Purdue-UConn pick, prediction, odds and more!
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National Championship Betting Predictions, Odds, Picks & More: April 8
Purdue-UConn Odds
Purdue: +220 | UConn: -275
Purdue: +6.5: -110 | UConn: -6.5: -110
Over 145.5: -115 | Under 145.5: -105
When: 9:20 p.m. ET
March Madness Odds via FanDuel
Purdue-UConn Pick & National Championship Prediction
Righting last year’s first round loss to Fairleigh Dickinson, Purdue has now defeated Grambling State, Utah State, Gonzaga, Tennessee, and NC State to reach the National Championship. Similarly, UConn defeated Stetson, Northwestern, San Diego State, Illinois and Alabama in pursuit of their second consecutive title.
Unlike most teams, both UConn and Purdue come loaded with a lethal interior presence. Purdue boasts the two-time national player of the year in Zach Edey at 7-4. Meanwhile, Donovan Clingan stands 7-2 and ranks nationally in most of the same defensive metrics. As for potential edges here, Edey holds the experience advantage and generates more fouls than any other player in the country. While Clingan doesn’t often get in foul trouble, he averages 3.5 fouls per 40 minutes. This makes him more of a foul risk than Clingan
Most teams have to dedicate extra resources to the interior against both teams, but that likely will not be the case here. Purdue does ranks first nationally in three point percentage. Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Mason Gillis, Cam Heide, and Myles Colvin all shoot over 40% from three with Lance Jones coming in slightly below at 36%. UConn does rank 38th in three point defense with size advantages at the guard position to potentially neutralize this.
As for the Huskies, this team ranks 51st in three point percentage, with Cam Spencer and Alex Karaban both shooting north of 38% from beyond the arc. However, they should hold an edge athletically and size wise behind Tristen Newton and Stephon Castle, who both stand at least 6-5. Purdue’s tallest guard starter remains Loyer at 6-4, but Smith and Jones come in at 6-0 and 6-1. Ultimately, both teams excel in every area of the court. While UConn’s athletic advantage at the guard position may be enough to get them a win, the presence of Edey and Purdue’s elite three point shooting should keep this within the spread.
Best National Championship Pick & Prediction: Purdue +6.5 (-110) at FanDuel
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