Two of the Big East’s top teams will do battle in the nation’s capital Saturday, as the UConn Huskies visit the Georgetown Hoyas, in the most exciting college basketball betting action of the weekend.
UConn has won two games in a row, but lost their only conference road game of the season last Wednesday at Cincinnati. The Huskies are led by versatile guard Jerome Dyson, a senior who missed most of last year with a knee injury. Dyson is currently the only player in college basketball averaging 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game, and nearly had a triple-double on Wednesday night against Seton Hall, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. He scored 14 of those points in the second half.
Dyson is hardly the only star on UConn’s roster, as forward Stanley Robinson has caught the eye of NBA scouts in recent months. Robinson is scoring 17 points a contest and grabbing a team high seven rebounds per game. Kemba Walker is leading this team with over six assists per game.
As for Georgetown, they don’t have nearly the depth of UConn overall, but do have four players averaging double-figures in scoring. Leading the way is Greg Monroe, a guy who many NBA scouts will be an early selection come June. He is averaging 14.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. However, Monroe has been quiet in two Big East games, scoring just 19 points in the Hoyas last two contests. Chris Wright is this team’s point guard matching Monroe with 14.4 points a contest. Versatile wings Austin Freeman and Jason Clark are both averaging double-figures as well.
The key for Georgetown however, is one of college basketball’s best defenses. While defense might not be the most glamorous part of the game, few teams play better overall than Georgetown, who allow just 57 points to the opposition (13th in college basketball) and only allow 37 percent shooting from the field.
In this game, expect the difference to be how Monroe handles UConn’s frontcourt, which is one of the best in college basketball. Monroe can disappear at times, but often saves his best performances for the biggest games of the year. But will he be able to get points against Robinson, Gavin Edwards, Ater Majok and the rest of the Huskies big guys? I’m not so sure.
Having watched both of these teams on Wednesday night, they appear to be going in different directions. Georgetown seemed largely disinterested at Marquette, losing to a hungry Golden Eagles team 62-59, while UConn got a tough Seton Hall team at home, and made big plays down the stretch to pull away.
While Georgetown may be a better team in March than they are now, the fact remains they’re just not playing that well. Expect the Huskies to be able to control tempo, and control the boards in this one. Yes Georgetown is coming home to the Verizon Center, but even the support of their crowd won’t be enough.
Aaron’s Pick: UConn by 6
Courtesy of BetUS.com
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