UConn vs Arkansas Odds & Picks – Huskies Favored by 4 Points in Sweet 16

• The UConn Huskies are 4-point favorites over the Arkansas Razorbacks in their March Madness Sweet 16 game on Thursday, March 23
• UConn hasn’t reached the Elite Eight since the school’s 2014 run to the NCAA Tournament title, while the Razorbacks are seeking their third straight appearance in the Elite Eight
• Below, see the UConn vs Arkansas predications, betting trends, and odds

On the surface, it’s the UConn Huskies (27-8, 23-11-1 ATS) who seemingly hold the pedigree when it comes to March Madness success stories. In fact, of late it’s been the Arkansas Razorbacks (22-13, 18-16-1 ATS) who’ve driven deeper into the NCAA Tournament.

This is UConn’s first venture beyond the second round of March Madness since the Huskies won the 2014 NCAA Tournament. However, the Razorbacks are pursuing their third successive Elite Eight appearance.

Nonetheless, it’s the Huskies that oddsmakers are setting as 4-point favorites in this game.  UConn is 21-11-1 against the spread as a betting favorite.

Razorbacks vs Huskies Odds

UConn is the co-fourth betting choice in the March Madness odds at +1000. Arkansas is showing odds of +2800 to win the NCAA Tournament.

Tip-off for this game is set for 7:15pm ET on Thursday, March 23 at T-Mobile Arena. The game is being carried by CBS.

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Razorbacks vs Huskies Betting Trends

The #8 seed in the West Region, Arkansas stunned defending national champions and #1 seed Kansas 72-71 in the second round. However, the dispatching of the Jayhawks by the Razorbacks isn’t carrying much weight with the betting public.

In the March Madness public betting trends, #4 UConn is the people’s choice in both spread and moneyline splits. The Huskies are garnering 75% of handle and 57% of bets. On the moneyline splits, 74% of handle and 70% of bets are backing UConn.

In terms of the total, the over is getting the healthier action. There’s 70% of handle and 60% of bets gambling that the two teams will combine to exceed the total of 140 points. The total has gone under in four of the last five games played by the Razorbacks. Playing the under was also the winning route in five of UConn’s last six games.

UConn Unbeaten vs SEC

UConn comes into this game 8-1 SU in the last nine games and 7-1 ATS over the past eight contests. Beating Saint Mary’s 70-55 in the second round, UConn was just the sixth team to score 70 on Saint Mary’s this season.

OH SO SWEET‼️@UConnMBB 🤝 @UConnWBB#Made4March | #BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/97I4puEazj

— UConn Huskies (@UConnHuskies) March 21, 2023

UConn is 28-2 SU when holding opponents to 47% or less from the field. The Huskies are shooting 35.94% from long range, compared to 31.29% for the Razorbacks.

The Huskies are 2-0 SU against SEC schools this season. That includes a double-digit win over Alabama, the top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Will Smith Heat Up For Razorbacks?

While beating Illinois and Kansas to get to the Sweet 16, the offensive contribution of Razorbacks freshman guard Nick Smith was negligible. He was held to six points on 2-of-14 from the field during the two victories. Smith is tied for second on the team in scoring with 12.6 points per game. Were he to heat up, it could be a real difference maker for Arkansas.

Let's do Vegas pic.twitter.com/XI1e8NRlDq

— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) March 22, 2023

The Razorbacks need to dominate the inside game to carry the day here and UConn has a size advantage. The Huskies are holding a 39.15 to 35.46 per game rebounding edge over Arkansas.

Arkansas vs UConn Prediction

It’s been all or nothing for UConn in recent NCAA Tournaments. This the first time in four March Madness appearances that the Huskies have gone beyond the second round. However, trends show it tends to get sweeter when UConn reaches the Sweet 16.

Once the Huskies get this deep into the tourney, they just keep on running. They’ve reached the Final Four in three of the last four NCAA Tournaments in which they’ve gone to Week 2, including two titles.

Arkansas is looking for a third straight Elite Eight showing. The Razorbacks have never done that in school history.

Pick: UConn Huskies -4 (-110)

Other Sweet 16 articles:

• Michigan State vs Kansas State Odds, Spread & Picks
• FAU vs Tennessee Predictions & Odds (March 23)
• March Madness Public Betting and Money Splits for Sweet 16 – Public Loves UConn
• Opening March Madness Sweet 16 Odds – See Odds for All Eight Games