Kentucky vs. Connecticut

Any UConn doubters still out there? The Huskies first took care of #2 seed Villanova, then #3 seed Iowa State, only to be rewarded with a matchup against Michigan State – a team many had going to the Final Four. The Huskies beat MSU and then had to face the #1 seed in the tournament – a team that had won 30 straight games. Florida was #1 much of the year with only three losses, and UConn beat them twice, including the last game as a dog, 63-53. The UConn defense was sensational last game, allowing 38.5% shooting, and the offense never panicked after trailing 16-4. That's what great backcourt play and veteran leadership will do. The UConn backcourt is a deadly weapon behind 6-1 senior Shabazz Napier (18 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game, 4.9 assists per game) and junior Ryan Boatright. Add in 6-9 junior DeAndrew Daniels who was dynamite against the Florida frontcourt as UConn torched one of the top defensive teams in the country for 55.8% shooting. UConn is on a 7-1 ATS run and has the kind of defense and frontcourt muscle you need against Kentucky. While Connecticut has all that experience, Kentucky doesn't with all those one-and-done freshmen. The Wildcat frontcourt doesn't have 7-0 sophomore Willie Cauley-Stein (ankle) either, who is out.  UConn shut down Florida twice, but this Kentucky team was 0-3 SU, 1-2 ATS against the Gators. The Wildcats are playing their best ball now, but they barely escaped Wisconsin. Kentucky allowed the Badgers to shoot 46% from the field and 8-of-20 (40%) from long range. UConn matches up well in this game, is loaded with experience, has the superior guard play, and is top notch defensively. The Huskies are 14-3 ATS in NCAA Tournament games and 26-10 ATS in their last 36 neutral site games. They are also 11-2 straight-up in all tournament games under Kevin Ollie. The kids from Kentucky struggle from the line (14-21 against Wisconsin), and that could be the difference in an expected close game. Take the three points on Connecticut as they have an excellent chance of winning this game outright.